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Top knuckle boom crane suppliers

NOV vs. Palfinger: Engineering Scale vs. Compact Versatility

NOV (National Oilwell Varco), headquartered in the United States, is a global powerhouse in offshore rig systems. NOV's knuckle boom cranes are part of its broader MSB and OC series, designed for heavy-duty lifting on platforms, FPSOs, and subsea vessels. These cranes feature active heave compensation, long outreach, and high-capacity winches, making them ideal for deepwater and construction operations. NOV' s cranes are engineered for scale, durability, and integration with complex rig systems.

Palfinger Marine, based in Austria, takes a different approach. Its knuckle boom cranes are known for compact design, electric drive options, and ease of integration on smaller platforms and wind substations. Palfinger's cranes are often chosen for space-constrained decks, unmanned platforms, and renewable energy vessels, offering reliable performance with minimal maintenance. Their foldable and telescopic variants add flexibility to offshore lifting operations.

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While NOV focuses on large-scale, high-capacity systems, Palfinger excels in compact, modular solutions, each serving different offshore needs.

Global Suppliers: Europe, America & Asia

Europe remains a hub for offshore crane innovation:

- MacGregor (Finland/Norway): Offers advanced knuckle boom cranes with subsea capabilities.

- KenzFigee (Netherlands): Delivers custom-engineered knuckle boom cranes for oil & gas and renewables.

- Huisman (Netherlands): Known for large-scale mast and knuckle boom cranes.

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In the U.S., NOV leads the market, while legacy brands like Titan Industries and Bucyrus-Erie have contributed to offshore lifting history.

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Asian manufacturers like Favelle Favco and Dalian Huarui continue to expand their presence, especially in Southeast Asia and the Middle East.

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All of these brands: NOV, Palfinger, MacGregor, Huisman, KenzFigee, Favelle Favco, Titan, Bucyrus-Erie, remain active or supported through legacy service networks.

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Conbit's Multi-Brand Knuckle Boom Crane Services

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Conbit offers multi-brand support for knuckle boom cranes, regardless of manufacturer or age.

Our services include:

- Inspection and maintenance

- Troubleshooting and damage repair

- Refurbishment and upgrades

- Reverse engineering and spare part solutions

- Lifetime extension studies

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With former technicians from brands like Huisman on our team, Conbit combines deep product knowledge with flexible engineering solutions. Whether your crane is a high-capacity NOV or a compact Palfinger, we ensure it remains safe, compliant, and operational.