Abstract: A device for stepwise lifting heavy loads, wherein one or more units each consists of a vertical support member resting on a rigid bed and accommodating a lifting member vertically displaceable in the support member; supporting elements shorter than the length of displacement of the lifting member, one such supporting element being insertable into the support member above the lifting member in its lowered position in order, upon upward displacement of the lifting member, to be introduced into a vertical guiding tube aligned with the support member, the load resting on top of the uppermost supporting element in the guiding tube; and a support plate insertable between the guiding tube and the support member in engagement with the top end surface of the latter, the support plate permitting vertical displacement of the supporting element resting on the lifting member when the supporting element is situated partly within the support member, but preventing downward displacement of the supporting element when it is

Abstract: A method of loading and unloading a vessel with heavy objects whereby an object is vertically lifted, for instance from a vehicle drivable on a quay, by means of a crab, gantry or the like which together with said object is moved horizontally along girders from the lifting position to a position above the hold of the vessel. Said girders are arranged on the quay, extending in a cantilever manner out beyond the edge of the quay substantially up to the adjacent edge of the hold. From said cantilever girders the crab together with the object is moved over to and along horizontal extensions of said girders. These extensions, which are entirely supported by the vessel, bridge the hold. When the crab with the object has reached a suitable position on said extension and above the hold, the object is lowered into the hold. Also described is an equipment intended for carrying out said method into effect.