The port of Antwerp recently highlighted the work of Sarens in sustainability by updating and expanding the fleet towards greener machinery like the electric cranes.
Sarens has recently added to its fleet 80 all-terrain cranes that meet the latest EUROMOT Stage V standards, building a greener fleet of trucks as each new truck to join its European fleet complies with the latest EURO 6 emissions standards.
The crane industry is constantly investing in innovative solutions in order to reduce emissions and noise pollution and Sarens is taking actions and efforts to commit to sustainability. The heavy lifting crane specialist, based in Wolvertem, continues updating and developing the fleet towards greener machinery like the electric cranes, while investing in the belgian industry to support the development in the country.
Sarens, world leader in heavy lifting, engineered transport and crane rental services, first developed the SGC-90 (Sarens Giant Crane), the world’s first green giant crane, followed by the HLTC (Heavy Luffing Tower Cranes) and most recently the E-Pack for telescopic cranes. The motor control system of these telescopic ring cranes not only runs on electricity, but it also puts electricity back into the grid while the cranes are in operation. These cranes are becoming very popular at ports that need to lift cargo for offshore wind projects. The operations reduce emissions and operating costs in comparison to diesel-operated cranes.
Sarens also recently announced the expansion of its Spierings eLift fleet with the acquisition of two additional battery-powered self-erecting mobile tower cranes. This order, which includes the SK597-AT4 eLift and the SK1265-AT6 eLift, increases its eLift fleet to a total of eight units. This strategic investment aligns with Sarens’ commitment to reducing the carbon footprint and enhancing sustainable operations.
Sarens has been at the forefront of innovation with a strong focus on sustainability and for the past 2.5 years they have successfully utilised Spierings’ battery-powered eLift cranes. The eLift concept has impressed with its efficiency and environmental benefits. The eLift cranes operate 63% of the time on electricity and 37% in hybrid mode, achieving a 90% reduction in fuel consumption compared to conventional mobile tower cranes. The demand for these cranes continues to grow, and their clients are increasingly adopting this green technology.
The SK597-AT4 eLift, the latest addition to Spierings’ tower crane range, features a seven-ton maximum capacity, a 48-metre jib, and a compact chassis. It provides a maximum lifting height of 58.1 meters with the jib luffed to 45 degrees, or 28 meters with the jib in a horizontal position. This model will be the fifth four-axle Spierings crane in the Sarens fleet.
The SK1265-AT6 eLift boasts a 10-ton maximum capacity, capable of handling this load at a radius of over 13 meters. Its 60-meter jib offers a 1,700-kilogram jib tip capacity at a 37-meter horizontal jib height, with a maximum lift height of 66 meters when the jib is luffed to 30 degrees.
Sarens has received many awards in the last few years, like the Environmental Award at Heavy Lift Awards in 2022, and keeps its intention to continue to collaborate in renewable energy projects around the world. As today there is a global call for action towards the transition to green energies and with international and national strategies in place that will accelerate the transition, Sarens wants to stay in the frontrunner as in the past 10 years in the construction and industrial green industry projects.
After building the world’s first green giant crane, the SGC-90, and the investment in the hybrid cranes, some other environmental initiatives Sarens carry out are, for example, always prioritising low emissions technology by actively choosing cranes with the latest low-emissions technology, and adding over 80 all-terrain cranes that meet the latest EUROMOT Stage V standards, building a greener fleet of trucks as each new truck to join its European fleet complies with the latest EURO 6 emissions standards.
A significant volume of their work today is with clients in offshore/onshore wind, nuclear, and hydrogen. So far Sarens has installed over 1.000 wind turbines on solid ground and continues to do more. Sarens has created valuable alliances with World Forum Offshore Wind on floating offshore wind (FLOW) projects; PSG Marine and Logistics Ltd. to service the offshore wind market in Scotland; and Tugdock to service the FLOAT offshore wind market. And is partnering in Small Modular Reactor (SMR) technology to engage in clean nuclear energy projects across the United States.
To protect marine ecosystems everywhere they operate, Sarens is switching to biodegradable oil for all barge hydraulic systems. All ballasting systems are being converted to use Biohydran TMP hydraulic fluid, which contains none of the harmful zinc used in commercial hydraulic oils.
And lastly, their Belgian headquarters boasts over 3.000 solar panels and is setting a precedent for further solar energy installations at their offices across Europe.
About Sarens
Sarens is the global leader and reference in crane rental, heavy lift and engineered transportation services. With state-of-the-art equipment, value engineering, one of the world's largest inventories of cranes, transporters and special rigging equipment, Sarens offers creative and intelligent solutions to today's heavy lifting and engineering transport challenges.
With more than 100 entities in 66 countries operating without borders, Sarens is an ideal partner for small to large-scale projects. Sarens currently employs 5,000 highly qualified professionals who are ready to serve the needs of any client worldwide and in all market sectors. https://www.sarens.com/