Rigging & Heavy Lift Specialist

Position Overview

We are looking for an experienced Rigging & Heavy Lift Specialist with strong experience in Oil & Gas, Petrochemical, Refinery, LNG, Chemical and EPC projects.

The candidate will be responsible for planning, engineering, coordinating and supervising heavy lifting, critical lifting, rigging, transportation and equipment erection activities at project sites. The role requires extensive knowledge of cranes, lifting equipment, rigging techniques, load calculations, lifting studies and safe execution of complex lifting operations.

The individual will work closely with Engineering, Construction, Planning, HSE, Equipment, Logistics and Project Management teams to ensure all lifting activities are executed safely, efficiently and in accordance with approved procedures and international standards.

Key Responsibilities

Heavy Lift & Rigging Engineering

• Develop and review lifting and rigging plans for heavy and critical lifts.
• Perform lifting studies and determine appropriate lifting methodologies.
• Select suitable cranes, lifting equipment and rigging accessories based on load requirements and site conditions.
• Review equipment weights, dimensions, center of gravity and lifting points.
• Perform or verify lifting calculations, crane capacity checks, sling loads and rigging configurations.
• Develop critical lift plans for major equipment and structures.
• Review lifting requirements for vessels, columns, reactors, exchangers, compressors, modules, skids and structural assemblies.
• Identify potential lifting risks and develop appropriate mitigation measures.

Crane Planning & Management

• Plan and coordinate the deployment of crawler cranes, mobile cranes, tower cranes and other lifting equipment.
• Determine crane capacity, boom configuration, radius, lifting height and ground conditions.
• Review crane load charts and ensure crane utilization remains within approved operating limits.
• Develop crane positioning and lifting arrangements.
• Coordinate crane mobilization, setup, dismantling and relocation.
• Ensure proper crane access, working areas, crane pads and ground preparation.
• Coordinate with crane vendors and lifting subcontractors.

Rigging Operations

• Supervise rigging activities and ensure correct use of:
• Slings
• Shackles
• Spreader beams
• Lifting beams
• Chain blocks
• Wire ropes
• Hoists
• Hydraulic jacks
• Skidding systems
• Hydraulic gantries
• Strand jacks
• Other specialized lifting equipment
• Verify certification and inspection status of lifting tools and accessories.
• Ensure correct rigging configuration and load distribution.
• Inspect lifting accessories before critical lifting operations.
• Ensure rigging crews understand approved lifting procedures and responsibilities.

Critical & Heavy Lifting

Plan and execute complex lifting activities involving:

• Reactors
• Columns and towers
• Pressure vessels
• Heat exchangers
• Compressors
• Pumps
• Boilers
• Storage tanks
• Large structural modules
• Pipe racks
• Skids
• Heavy machinery
• Pre-assembled modules
• Offshore/onshore project equipment
• Develop detailed methodologies for tandem lifts, tailing operations, upending and verticalization.
• Coordinate complex lifting operations involving multiple cranes.
• Evaluate lifting sequences and identify potential interference or collision risks.
• Ensure lifting operations are conducted according to approved methodology and permit requirements.

Site Execution

• Supervise heavy lifting and rigging activities at project sites.
• Conduct pre-lift meetings/toolbox talks for critical lifting operations.
• Ensure lifting activities are executed as per approved lifting plans and method statements.
• Coordinate with Construction, Mechanical, Structural, Piping and Equipment teams during equipment erection.
• Monitor site conditions including wind speed, ground conditions, access, visibility and working radius.
• Stop lifting activities when unsafe conditions or deviations from approved procedures are identified.
• Ensure proper communication between crane operators, riggers, signalmen and supervisors.

Lifting Studies & Documentation

Prepare/review:

• Lifting Plans
• Heavy Lift Studies
• Critical Lift Plans
• Rigging Studies
• Crane Studies
• Crane Load Charts
• Rigging Drawings
• Lift Calculations
• Load Distribution Calculations
• Ground Bearing Pressure Calculations
• Crane Positioning Plans
• Method Statements
• Risk Assessments / JSA
• Lift Checklists
• Equipment Inspection Records

HSE & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with project HSE requirements and lifting procedures.
• Participate in lifting risk assessments and HAZID/HAZOP-related activities where applicable.
• Ensure all cranes, lifting equipment and accessories have valid inspection and certification.
• Ensure lifting operations comply with applicable international standards and local regulations.
• Monitor weather and environmental conditions before and during critical lifting activities.
• Ensure exclusion zones and barricading are properly established.
• Promote a strong safety culture among rigging and lifting teams.

Coordination & Stakeholder Management

Coordinate with:

• Project Management
• Construction Management
• Mechanical Engineering
• Structural Engineering
• Piping
• HSE
• Planning
• Logistics
• Equipment Department
• Crane Contractors
• Rigging Contractors
• Third-Party Inspection Agencies
• Client / Consultant Representatives
• Attend project coordination and construction meetings.
• Provide lifting schedules and progress updates.
• Coordinate lifting activities with overall project execution schedules.
• Resolve technical and site-related lifting issues.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's/Diploma in Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Construction Engineering or related discipline.
• Relevant certifications in Rigging, Lifting Operations, Crane Operations or Heavy Lift Engineering will be an advantage.
• Strong knowledge of international lifting and rigging standards.
• Valid competency certification as required by the project/client.

Experience

• Typically 10+ years of experience in rigging and heavy lifting activities.
• Strong experience in Oil & Gas, Petrochemical, Refinery, LNG, Chemical, Power or EPC projects.
• Proven experience handling heavy and critical lifts involving large process equipment and structures.
• Experience in both engineering/planning and site execution of lifting operations is preferred.

Technical Skills

Strong knowledge of:

• Crane selection and planning
• Crane load charts
• Rigging calculations
• Sling angle calculations
• Load distribution
• Center of gravity determination
• Lifting point verification
• Ground bearing pressure
• Tandem lifting
• Tailing operations
• Upending / verticalization
• Hydraulic lifting
• Skidding
• Jacking
• Modular lifting
• Heavy haulage coordination
• Critical lift planning

Software Skills

Experience with relevant engineering/planning tools such as:

• AutoCAD
• Microsoft Excel
• Crane planning software
• 3D lifting simulation software
• Heavy lift analysis software
• SAP/ERP systems where applicable

Knowledge of specialized crane planning/lifting software such as LiftPlanner, LICCON, Cranebee or equivalent will be an advantage.

Standards & Codes

Working knowledge of applicable lifting standards and guidelines, including:

• ASME B30 series
• ASME BTH-1
• OSHA lifting requirements
• API recommended practices where applicable
• LOLER requirements where applicable
• ISO lifting standards
• Local statutory lifting regulations
• Client-specific lifting and rigging procedures

Key Competencies

• Strong technical knowledge of heavy lifting and rigging
• Excellent understanding of crane operations
• Strong analytical and calculation skills
• Critical lift planning capability
• Excellent site execution skills
• Strong HSE awareness
• Ability to work under demanding project schedules
• Strong communication and coordination skills
• Ability to lead rigging and lifting teams
• Good problem-solving and decision-making skills

Key Performance Indicators

• Safe execution of lifting operations
• Zero lifting-related incidents
• Compliance with approved lifting plans
• On-time completion of heavy lift activities
• Crane utilization and productivity
• Rigging equipment compliance
• Reduction of lifting-related project delays
• Compliance with HSE and client requirements

Preferred Industry Background

Candidates with experience in the following projects will be preferred:

• Refinery Projects
• Petrochemical Projects
• Oil & Gas Projects
• LNG / Gas Processing Projects
• Chemical Plants
• Fertilizer Plants
• Power Plants
• Offshore / Onshore Projects
• EPC / EPCM Projects
• Brownfield / Greenfield Projects
• Modularization / Pre-assembly Projects