Chinese manufacturer XCMG has reportedly produced the first main unit of the world’s largest capacity ring crane, capable of delivering 14,000-tons of lifting performance.
Designed for use on large-scale conventional energy, nuclear power and wind power projects, the massive material mover was jointly developed by XCMG and Sinopec Heavy Lifting & Transportation Co. While a model name was not announced, the companies called the crane’s debut “a historic breakthrough in ultra-heavy lifting.”
The crane features a modular configuration, which consists of two main units that work in tandem. The first main unit has completed final assembly and can independently perform lifting operations, XCMG says.
Once the second unit is completed and integrated, the crane will tout a maximum lifting capacity of 14,000 tons and a maximum lifting moment of 700,000 ton-meters. It features an electric direct-drive system that converts electric power directly into motion, cutting energy consumption by more than 30% and boosting operating efficiency by 20%.
“This crane is more than an incremental improvement; it represents a transformative leap for the global heavy-lifting industry,” said Yang Dongsheng, chairman of XCMG Group and XCMG Machinery. “Our partnership with Sinopec has created a new integrated model spanning R&D, manufacturing and application, setting an industry benchmark for independent innovation and engineering application of major technical equipment.”
Powered byXCMG outlined multiple applications for the ultra-heavy crane, including:
- Conventional Energy: Lifting a range of large towers and vessels as complete units, replacing sectional lifting and reducing risks in assembly, pressure testing and other installation work.
- Nuclear Power Construction: Complete lifts from a single crane position and using a single boom configuration when moving plant modules and major equipment for two nuclear islands.
- Offshore Wind: Providing greater lifting height and capacity for the installation of larger-capacity turbines.
Yang added: “XCMG will continue to advance the independent development of ultra-large engineering equipment, bring proven, reliable solutions to a wider range of engineering applications, and provide customers worldwide with safer, more efficient and energy-saving construction solutions.”
