Victoria Quay luffing crane dismantled

AFTER more than 90 years towering over local buildings, the old luffing crane at Victoria Quay was dismantled last week.

Safety concerns for the public, due to the crane’s deteriorating condition, made it necessary for it to be removed.

Moved to its position outside the E Shed Markets in 1996, the crane had been one of just four that still remained from the early part of the 20th century.

The final three, a luffing crane and two straight jib cranes, are near the Maritime Museum.

After consultation with the Western Australian Museum and State Heritage Office, a Fremantle Ports spokesman said the most cost effective solution would be to dismantle one luffing and one jib crane, allowing maintenance to be concentrated more effectively on the last two.

A photographic record of the crane’s removal will be kept to also help in the conservation of the remaining luffing crane.