Palfinger expands its outreach at sea

With the new PFM 1200, Palfinger is introducing a marine crane tailored to the growing demands of modern service vessels and workboats, particularly in the aquaculture sector. The first unit will be delivered in September. At SMM 2026 in Hamburg, Palfinger will also unveil the next developments in the PFM series.

The trend toward larger service vessels and workboats is increasing the requirements for marine cranes. Greater outreach and lifting capacity are in demand, while keeping the crane’s own weight as low as possible and maintaining identical interfaces for easy replacement. Palfinger developed the PFM 1200 specifically for this purpose. The first crane has already been ordered by Bergen Hydraulic for Frøy Akvaressurs and will be deployed on the service vessel ‘Frøy Fighter’.

Featuring Palfinger’s patented P-profile, the PFM 1200 offers a maximum outreach of more than 26m. It will replace the existing crane on board the ‘Frøy Fighter’, offering 4.8m more outreach while reducing the crane’s overall weight. At maximum outreach, it delivers a lifting capacity of 1820kg in winch mode. A high-speed extension system enables short operating cycles and efficient performance, while its robust and exceptionally rigid design makes it a powerful solution for demanding service operations at sea.

In the configuration specified for the Frøy Fighter, the PFM 1200 retains the same mounting bolt pattern as the existing PK 150002 M while featuring a reduced weight. This allows the new crane to be integrated into the existing vessel structure without requiring extensive structural modifications.

The PFM range comprises the PFM 1500, PFM 2100, PFM 2500, PFM 3500, PFM 4500, and is currently being expanded with the PFM 1200, PFM 3700, and PFM 4800. The various models complement each other and can be combined to create tailored crane packages for a wide range of vessel types and operational requirements. Customers benefit from a portfolio that is precisely tailored to their specific needs. The expansion of the PFM series marks another step in the implementation of the Strategy 2030+ and underscores Palfinger ‘s ambition to actively shape the future of marine lifting solutions.

“The requirements for service vessels and workboats are continuously evolving. With the PFM 1200, we are closing a gap in our portfolio and providing customers with exactly the combination of outreach, lifting performance, and durability they need today. At SMM, we will demonstrate how we are continuously advancing the PFM range while further expanding our offering, particularly for the aquaculture industry,” says Klaus Schreiber, VP Sales & Service Marine and Special Solutions at Palfinger.

From September 1 to 4, 2026, Palfinger will present its comprehensive portfolio of deck equipment, lifesaving appliances, and service solutions at SMM in Hamburg. A key highlight will be the PFM crane range. Alongside the new PFM 1200, visitors will get an early preview at the upcoming PFM 3700 and PFM 4800 models, the next generation of the proven PFM 3500 and PFM 4500.

Palfinger will also display a PK 25.001 M foldable knuckle boom crane as well as a scale model of the FRSQ 850 fast rescue boat with its hydraulic A-frame davit. The exhibition will be complemented by information on Palfinger’s global service network, including spare parts supply, inspections, maintenance, and upgrade solutions that help ensure long-term operational reliability.