How Do They Do It? Season 11 Episode 13 Dock Cranes and More

How Do They Do It? is an informative show that takes viewers on a journey to explore a wide variety of industries and technologies. From manufacturing to transportation, from engineering to construction, the show showcases the inner workings of the world's most remarkable processes and machines. In season 11 episode 13, titled Dock Cranes and More, the show looks at some of the most incredible cranes in the world and how they work.

The episode begins with a fascinating look at the Port of Oakland, one of the busiest ports in the United States. Here, the show reveals the inner workings of the giant ship to shore cranes that load and unload hundreds of containers from cargo ships in just a matter of hours. These cranes, which weigh more than 1,000,000 pounds, are capable of lifting containers that weigh up to 100,000 pounds. To accomplish this task, they use an intricate system of gears and motors to lift the container off the ship and onto the dock, while computer-controlled cameras and sensors prevent accidents and ensure that everything runs smoothly.

Next, the show heads to Dutch Harbor, Alaska, where they'll discover the world's largest crab fishing vessels. These ships, made famous by the TV show "Deadliest Catch," are equipped with some of the most advanced cranes in the world. Using hydraulic power, these cranes can lift massive crab pots weighing thousands of pounds from the deck of the ship and lower them into the ocean. The show reveals the incredible engineering behind these cranes, including the use of high-strength steel and powerful motors to lift and lower heavy loads with precision.

Moving away from the sea, the show now focuses on an inland city and reveals how cranes are essential to building skyscrapers. In Dubai, the world's tallest building, the Burj Khalifa, uses some of the world's most advanced construction cranes. These cranes, which are mounted on the top of the building, are used to transport large loads of building materials up to the upper floors of the building. The show examines the incredible engineering behind these cranes, including how they are anchored to the building and how they are able to safely transport such heavy loads at such great heights.

Finally, the show looks at a type of crane that many of us have never seen before: the gantry crane. These massive machines are used in shipyards and other industrial sites to move large objects, such as ships or even airplanes. The show takes us to the Port of Rotterdam, where we'll meet the world's largest gantry crane, known as the Goliath. This massive crane is capable of lifting objects weighing up to 6,000 tons and can move along tracks that span over 820 feet. The show examines the incredible engineering behind the Goliath, including the use of high-strength steel and powerful motors.

Throughout the episode, the show uses amazing computer graphics and animations to help explain the inner workings of these complex machines. It also interviews experts and engineers who help reveal the science and technology behind each crane type. Altogether, Dock Cranes and More is a fascinating look at some of the world's most incredible machines and how they help keep us connected, build our cities, and move our goods around the world.