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

The operation represents the first time two giant ring cranes of this class have operated together in tandem, marking a significant technical achievement for the heavy lifting industry.

The SGC-170 has been 100% designed and developed by Sarens' in-house engineering team and is fully electric and operates with zero emissions. 

The SGC-120/1 is 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 original SGC-120. Coordinating tandem lifts between cranes of this magnitude requires extremely precise synchronisation between equipment, control systems, and engineering planning.

For this pioneering operation, Sarens utilised 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, optimises the sequencing and preparation of heavy loads, enabling more efficient and continuous lifts. Its use minimises 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 customisation and adaptability to different environments. It has fewer connections and larger components, enabling faster mobilisation 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 optimisation 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 optimisation.

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 synchronisation between equipment, control systems, and engineering planning. To ensure maximum efficiency in operations, Sarens employs advanced lift planning methodologies, specific synchronisation protocols, and internally developed handling solutions that optimise the sequence of movements and reduce operating times.

"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," said Matthias Sarens, R&D manager at Sarens. 

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