The Crane of Arbustain

Caption: following the “Derrick system”, the crane’s basic structure included a mast and a jib made of “pinillo” wood (Podocarpus Guatemalensis), as well as a mechanism made of steel and bronze. It was designed for uploading machines and steam boilers, up to 15 tones, and installing them directly on the boats moored below, next to the dock. The crane was operated by hand, by means of an ingenious mechanism of axes, pulleys and gears.

The application of the steam technology to the marine propulsion transformed this industry decisively. In fact, new challenges had to be faced so as to adapt to this new technology, since, as the steam boilers and machines improved and became more powerful, they also grew heavier and heavier, bulkier and bulkier and so more difficult to handle and transport.

Due to the increasing demand of steam propelled ships, Balenciaga, S.A., Carmelo Unanue and La Constructora Metálica, S.L. decided to install a crane which would allow them to carry the equipment operations on the boats directly from the docks. Thanks to the crane, during the 20th century, Zumaia remained one of the main shipbuilding centres of the province, prolonging its long tradition in this field. Conceived and built on the boat ramp of Arbustain in 1931, this element is an enlightening example of adaptability and commitment to innovation. These were the skills which allowed the entrepreneurs from Zumaia to keep active in a perpetually changing industry.