The National Museum of the Royal Navy
Established in 1911, the Dockyard Museum opened in Portsmouth. Since then, it's grown into the newly formed National Museum of the Royal Navy. A steward of naval history, it's committed to engaging the public and preserving history. As such, the museum continuously seeks solutions to enhance its displays and conservation efforts. This way, it can ensure our country's rich naval heritage is preserved and celebrated for generations to come.
“We are now at a stage where we are re-organising various storage areas within our Grade II* listed building. As we began planning how to reorganise the existing racking and install new, we realised that we could only manoeuvre safely and efficiently using the multidirectional capability of the Combilift, which was recommended by our handling consultants Locators. We therefore centred the racking re-design around the specifications of the truck and are now moving almost 5t of materials every day.”
“As we are handling very valuable items such as historical artefacts which are often large and fragile, we need to be vigilant to avoid any damage. The truck’s design – resting loads on the low platform as well as visibility from the cab – keeps our loads safe.”
“Compared to the original shipbuilders we have been fortunate to benefit from modern technology and the Combilift has been absolutely integral to the project, and will continue to be so for its duration.”
What We Provided The NMRN
The National Museum of the Royal Navy took on the challenge of restoring HMS Victory, the oldest naval ship still in commission. However, their Victory Live: The Big Repair conservation project was being undertaken within the confines of a Grade II* listed building. Therefore, the museum required an accurate and efficient solution, lest they risk damage to the property or ship. So, to refine their logistics, they entrusted over 250 years of naval heritage with our cutting-edge material handling expertise. On this occasion, our team suggested a multidirectional forklift — the Combilift C-Series C4000E. This multidirectional forklift can navigate the complex spaces of the museum's storied corridors. Now central to the conservation efforts, it enables the exact handling of historic timbers and other materials.
Yet, Locators' role extended beyond equipment supply. We delivered a customised operational plan that included an interim forklift. In addition to this, we offered specialised training while the final model was being crafted. The Combilift C4000E was specifically modified to fit the museum's unique environment. The bespoke model features a quad mast to navigate low doorways and a 6m spreader bar to manage extraordinarily long and heavy loads safely. Now, it can undertake tasks involving replacing decayed planking and frames. The vast amount of required material is stored in what were the old ropeworks. This includes 6.5-7m long packs of timber for making customised laminated slabs. It also includes steel mast sections that can be as long as 23m. Plus, it includes pallets of miscellaneous items such as ropes.
Our strategic foresight ensured that every phase of the museum's logistical needs was met with precision. It helped enhance safety and efficiency in handling valuable artefacts and structural elements. The project is not just a technical triumph but also a testament to the coexistence of historical preservation and modern innovation. The forklift's multidirectional capability has proven to be indispensable throughout the project, handling materials weighing nearly 5 tonnes on a daily basis. Better yet, it does so without compromising the integrity of the historic artefacts or the building. As noted by sites like Forklift Action and Logistics Business, Locators' integration of modern technology has set a new standard for conservation projects. But more importantly, our expertise has played a crucial role in ensuring that the HMS Victory remains a symbol of naval heritage for years to come.
Credit to NMRN for Aerial photography of HMS Victory’s Victory Live Experience
Combilift C-Series C4000E
The Combilift C-Series C4000E exemplifies cutting-edge engineering designed for complex logistical challenges. Its multidirectional capability allows for precise handling and placement of hefty, fragile items. It's proved indispensable in maintaining the museum's artefacts and conserving history.
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Behind its robust design, the C4000E boasts features tailored for safety and efficiency. The low platform for resting loads ensures stability and minimises risk with various dimensions. This minimises the risk of load tipping, which is crucial when transporting large, fragile artefacts. Meanwhile, the exceptional cab visibility enhances operator control and precision. Plus, its electric engine blends power with environmental responsibility. It also provides quiet operation that is suitable for sensitive environments like museums. These features have transformed the museum's operational capabilities. It has allowed the safe reorganisation of exhibits and storage within the historic building.