Sarens achieves industry first with tandem operation of two giant ring cranes at SIF rotterdam

Sarens, world leader in heavy lifting, engineered transport and crane rental solutions, has reaffirmed its position as a pioneer in complex heavy lifting engineering by pushing the boundaries of this type of work through the simultaneous tandem operation of two of its largest ring cranes at SIF installations in Rotterdam, representing a new technical and operational milestone within its Giant Cranes fleet. This operation marks the first time that two ring cranes have operated simultaneously. Such a configuration demonstrates Sarens' ability to tackle highly complex operations in any industry, whether petrochemical, wind, or civil works, through innovative engineering solutions, precise planning, and proprietary technologies developed in-house.

For this pioneering operation, Sarens utilized the SGC-120/1, an upgraded version of the standard 120 model to meet the capacity specifications of the SGC-140, along with the new SGC-170, the latest addition to the company's Giant Cranes range. Both cranes have been specifically configured to perform tandem lifts with high levels of precision, safety, and efficiency. Alongside this setup, the TP-Handler developed by Sarens, optimizes the sequencing and preparation of heavy loads, enabling more efficient and continuous lifts. Its use minimizes interference between cranes and maintains a steady workflow, enhancing safety and precision in complex lifting operations.This allows for the handling of components of exceptional size and weight, such as offshore wind farm structures or complete components for nuclear facilities.

The SGC-170 model is a very important piece of equipment within the company's crane fleet. It has been 100% designed and developed by Sarens' in-house engineering team. It has a load moment of 170,000 ton-meters and a lifting capacity of 3,200 tons, surpassed only by the flagship SGC-250 crane. The SGC-170 is fully electric and operates with zero emissions, perfectly combining sustainability with enormous lifting power. Its modular electric propulsion system, developed entirely by Sarens engineers, has very low energy consumption.

The crane's design also allows for maximum customization and adaptability to different environments. It has fewer connections and larger components, enabling faster mobilization and assembly, as well as modular configuration to suit each customer's needs. This does not affect its load capacity, as the main boom with jib can lift 1,300 tons to a height of over 200 meters. Furthermore, in terms of mobility, despite its large size, a reinforced frame allows it to be moved to another location in less than a week.

The other half of this innovative tandem operation is represented by the SGC-120/1, an updated version of the SGC-120 model that achieves the lifting capacity of the SGC-140. This model is able to reach a load capacity of 140,000 T/m and exceed 3,500 tons, which is approximately a 45% increase in load capacity compared to the SGC-120. This has been achieved by integrating reinforced components to increase capacity. For example, among others, in its counterweight, as it now uses one of 4000 tons as well as a structural reinforcement of the mast and boom, adopting a structural design similar to that of the SGC-140. This is in order to support greater loads without compromising stability, or various improvements in the power systems, to comply with the strictest emission standards and reduce its noise pollution. Regarding the optimization of its winches, the SGC-140 already improved those of the first SGC-120 to handle heavier loads over longer distances.

Despite improvements in capacity, the SGC-120/1 retains all the key features of its predecessor, such as its compact design and small operational footprint, allowing it to work in confined spaces. The assembly times and transport conditions of the 120 model also remain unchanged, adding no additional complexity to logistics or operational start-up. This evolution demonstrates once again Sarens' ongoing investment in innovation and fleet optimization.

The lifting plan developed by Sarens' engineering team enabled the SGC-120/1 and SGC-170 cranes to perform continuous loading operations of large offshore components. Working in tandem for the first time, two of Sarens' five largest slewing ring cranes have performed complex heavy lifting operations. Coordinating tandem lifts between cranes of this magnitude requires extremely precise synchronization between equipment, control systems, and engineering planning. To ensure maximum efficiency in operations, Sarens employs advanced lift planning methodologies, specific synchronization protocols, and internally developed handling solutions that optimize the sequence of movements and reduce operating times.

Matthias Sarens, R&D Manager at Sarens, explained, “This type of operation represents a significant step forward in the evolution of heavy lifting capabilities worldwide. By combining technological innovation, operational expertise, and sustainable solutions, Sarens continues to consolidate its position as a benchmark in the development and execution of large-scale engineering operations.”

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 70 countries operating without borders, Sarens is an ideal partner for small to large-scale projects. Sarens currently employs more than 6,000 highly qualified professionals who are ready to serve the needs of any client worldwide and in all market sectors. https://www.sarens.com/