I now looked at the other photo that davidships and ChasB46 had provided in the link (photo with the almost 'profile view' of this vessel) ..... I considered the vessel's length = 80,0 m .... I then took measures from the photo ... I then calculated on 'pro ratio' basis considering vessel's length 80,0 m ... and came to the length of the mast (counting from the hinge) = 15,0 m ... actually my mathematics showed the number 15,053

Look at http://www.shipspotting.com/gallery/photo.php?lid=2443393 . Foremast barely length of forward accomodation and in this case the car and his "life boat" are here as well.

Personally I think this is a trick of perspective, check against the draft of the vessel (2.6m)- I would guess it may be 9m. - I don't think it is inordinately long. It is unlikely to be used for removing owners cars as these are usually carried on the superstructure at the stern.

Allan

@ Malim,,yes,,of course,,but this arm does not look like retractable. Any inland ship experts here who can clarify,,would be nice to know.

I'm sure I've seen a similar setup on the low air draft style coasters where the mast/crane can actually fold down to near horizontal and is indeed used to manipulate hatch covers of the stackable type.

I meant in the lowered position - but you may well be right about that.

Unlikely for that David,,unless they use a jimmy-block down on deck, otherwise the crane would pull to high with that angle. Those covers are light alumina,, one man can easy move them, no real need to have a winch for that anyhow

I agree CT. Also perhaps to pull the nested hatchcovers forward.

To my knowledge that crane is used to launch their boat/car and not for cargo purposes

Presumably to give sufficient outreach when used as a crane. I thought perhaps it is telescopic, but cannot see the "joins" (except close to the base). Looking at
other pics, something around 16-18m does look right:
http://www.shipspotting.com/gallery/photo.php?lid=2443393
http://juergens-schiffsbilder.jimdo.com/gabriela/

Taaaaaall mast,, must be probably 18 mtrs in length/height (approx).... what do you say, David?
Regards