Heavy lifting and transport oufit Mammoet has today launched the world’s strongest land-based crane, the SK6000.
The company said the new crane, which is capable of lifting 3000 tonnes to a height of 220 metres, has a key role in offshore wind, where fast growth of components in recent years has led to supply chain issues.
“As populations grow, so do our energy needs. The SK6000 re-defines the scale of human construction, allowing large energy and infrastructure projects to build from bigger pieces, in parallel – reaching first power sooner, and more cost-effectively,” added the Dutch outfit.
The crane has a maximum capacity of 6000 tonnes, utilising 4200 tonnes of ballast to lift with a maximum ground bearing pressure of 30 tonnes per metre squared. The crane design uses containerisation techniques for ease of deployment, and can be transported using shipping containers to any location worldwide, said Mammoet.
It also offers full electric power capability from battery or supply from the grid, allowing customers to reduce the carbon impact of projects significantly.
“This crane is truly a world record feat of engineering, with a production schedule to match”, said Mammoet director of global services Gavin Kerr.
“Hundreds of colleagues have been directly involved with its development across the business.
“There are very few companies on Earth – if any – that could have brought this crane into reality, and we are immensely proud to be able to do so”.
The SK6000 is currently undergoing testing at Mammoet’s Westdorpe facility in the Netherlands, ready for deployment to its first project later in the year.