Sarens participates in the Ringvaartbrug project, improving connectivity and traffic flow through the construction of a new bridge over the “Ringvaart”

Sarens, world leader in heavy lifting, engineered transport and crane rental services, has participated in the Ringvaartbrug R4WO KWN02 project, in Ghent, taking charge of the construction of a new bridge over the “Ringvaart” on the R4, a key infrastructure to improve connectivity and traffic flow in the area. During the planning phase, all critical factors were carefully evaluated, including crane operations near their capacity limits, and the maximum lifting height, which was also a limiting factor. In addition, nearby elements such as a gas line and railway tracks were considered, requiring precise coordination to ensure safety in every maneuver.

Sarens Belgium (SBE) has collaborated together with Sarens NV to carry out heavy transport and lifting works on site. Within its scope, after all the parts were delivered by Sarens NV by pontoon and SPMT (Self-Propelled Modular Trailer), SBE brought to site different crane configurations according to the project phases. In phase 1, an AC700 and an LTM1650-8.1 with guided boom were used to lift the 229-ton bow top and two bows, and subsequently, after removing the guided boom, both cranes lifted the main beam of 364 tons and 107.5 m in length. The LTM1650-8.1 was able to demobilize on its own, while the AC700 required an auxiliary crane. In phase 2, the last two legs of the bow were installed using an AC700 and an AC500. All equipment was specifically selected to handle the heavy loads and exceptional dimensions of the structural elements, which required the additional transport of ballast trucks and specialized equipment. After the completion of the bridge, Sarens NV will also put the bridge in its final location with the use of SPMT’s and pontoons. This is foreseen in 2026.

Additionally, the project involved significant challenges due to the limited space and the anchors provided throughout the work area, which required strategic positioning of the cranes to avoid compromising critical points of the terrain. Maneuvers were carried out with slew in place for both cranes and a technical team of five people. Phase 1 was completed in approximately one week, while phase 2 lasted three days, despite the forecasted wind conditions and ensuring safe lifting. This project not only strengthened the transportation infrastructure but also generated important social benefits, such as improved local mobility, reduced transit times, and the creation of employment opportunities for the community during construction.

This project takes place in a moment in which the construction industry maintains a steady growth. According to provisional data from the Belgian statistical office Statbel, the construction production index recorded a year-on-year increase of 0.3 % in the first five months of 2025, while building construction experienced a slight decline of 1.2 % during the same period. Despite these short-term challenges, the Belgian construction industry maintains positive prospects, supported by strong investments in transportation, electrical infrastructure, and renewable energy, backed by both the public and private sectors as well as the Recovery and Resilience Fund. According to the ResearchAndMarkets report, an average annual growth of 3.2 % is projected between 2026 and 2029, consolidating a scenario of sustained expansion for the sector.

The Belgian civil engineering sector has shown strong support for construction, especially in a context where the building of new housing faces challenges. Since the health crisis, Belgian civil engineering has experienced significant growth of 20%, driven by participation in the EU’s Recovery and Resilience Plan and complemented by additional recovery plans funded by the regions, which allocate a total of €9 billion, of which €5.2 billion is reserved for construction works, mainly in civil engineering (€2.5 billion). Euroconstruct forecasts indicate that this sector will continue to grow in Belgium and across much of Europe in the coming years.

According to Bart Minnen, Country Manager at Sarens Belgium, “at Sarens, we are pleased to have participated in the Ringvaartbrug R4WO KWN02 project, helping to improve connectivity and traffic flow in the area. Projects like this demonstrate our ability to face complex challenges, always ensuring maximum safety and efficiency in every maneuver. Completing this project within the scheduled time makes us proud to contribute not only to the improvement of local infrastructure and mobility but also to the economic and social development of the community. This not only reinforces our position as a trusted partner for clients and authorities but also supports our role in the sustained expansion and strengthening of Belgian civil engineering.”

Over the past few years, Sarens has established itself as a strategic player in the construction, installation, and renovation of bridges around the world. Recently, the company has completed several major projects, such as the installation of a new pedestrian and cycle bridge as part of the redesign of Place Sainctelette (Brussels), the century-old Colbert Bridge in Dieppe (France), and the 5,850-ton OA14 bridge in Bettembourg (Luxembourg). Sarens has also installed a new pedestrian bridge between the Hazebrouck (France) railway station and its parking lot, as well as an 8,400-ton railway bridge on the A1 freeway in Amsterdam (Netherlands).

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/