Sarens is participating in the construction of potash storage facilities on behalf of its client Maple Reinders, performing heavy lifting of 33 double arches weighing 80,000 pounds with a length radius of 70 feet.
The expansion of Westshore Terminals will transform its coal terminal into a mixed-use facility that, thanks to the new potash storage building, will enable the export of 4.5 million tons of this resource annually, which is mainly used in the manufacture of food fertilizers. This project, with an investment of over 1 billion dollars, stems from an agreement signed with BHP to provide port services for the Jansen mine in Saskatchewan, and includes the construction of covered storage areas, railcar unloaders, and conveyor belts.
Sarens, world leader in heavy lifting, engineered transport, and crane rental services, is participating in the construction of potash storage facilities on behalf of its client Maple Reinders, performing heavy lifting of 33 double arches composed of glulam arches, beams, purlins, support towers, and concrete anchor blocks, weighing 80,000 pounds with a lift radius of 70 feet. To undertake this year-long project, Sarens' engineering team has carried out a comprehensive site survey and engineered lift study, leading to the selection of two crawler cranes with a lifting capacity of 250 tons, as well as two RT cranes with a capacity of 100 tons, assisted by a 250-ton AT (all-terrain) and a 120-ton AT units, as well as a 55-ton BT (boom truck).
This equipment, which was selected for its ease of transport, capacity, reach, and mobility, was transported to the site from Sarens' Vancouver branch. It took only two days to assemble each of the crawler cranes, considering the difficulties of accessing and exiting the site due to the coal port operating on the same premises. The lifting and installation of each arch was executed through a collaborative effort involving multiple cranes. Each crawler crane was responsible for lifting one half of the arch, while support cranes were utilized to position the support towers and subsequently connect both parts at the peak.
During periods of peak activity, the demand for skilled labor reached 100 workers. The primary challenge, particularly during the winter season, was the frequent strong winds, which occasionally necessitated the suspension of activities on certain days. Additionally, the site's limited space and restricted access hindered the logistics process.
Once the expansion is complete in 2026, Westshore Terminals' facilities at Robert Banks will be able to export potash. This is a group of potassium-rich minerals extracted from underground deposits or brines, processed to purify the mineral, and used primarily as an essential fertilizer in agriculture (this is because it regulates the osmotic pressure of plants, improves their resistance to disease, and maximizes crop yields), although it also has applications in the chemical industry for the manufacture of glass, soaps, detergents, and other compounds where potassium provides stability and reactivity to materials. Jansen (the mine from which potash will be transported to the Westshore facilities) is expected to have an initial annual production capacity of approximately 4.5 million tons (MTPA), with the potential to produce 9 MTPA in future stages.
Sarens already has extensive experience in Canada, thanks to the broad expertise of its team, its in-depth knowledge of the sector and its extensive portfolio of cranes and modular transports, with multiple projects to its credit. From collaborating on The new Polaris CCS (Carbon Capture and Storage) Project, launched by Shell in Alberta, Canada, a major step forward for the region's industry, Moreover, Sarens was able to contribute to the renovation of Union Station, where the team carried out the lifting and subsequent installation of several 9.4-ton iron girders for the flying garden connecting the station's north and south towers.
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 65 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/