XCMG has completed the production of the first main unit of the world’s first 14,000-ton ring crane, marking a major development in ultra-heavy lifting technology. The crane has been jointly developed by XCMG and Sinopec Heavy Lifting & Transportation Co., Ltd. Once completed and fully integrated, the equipment will have a maximum lifting capacity of 14,000 tons and a maximum lifting moment of 700,000 ton-metres, making it the largest-capacity ring crane ever built.
The crane uses a modular design with two main units operating together. The first unit has completed final assembly and is capable of carrying out lifting operations independently. The two units will be integrated after production to achieve the crane’s full lifting capacity.
XCMG Group and XCMG Machinery Chairman Yang Dongsheng said the project represents a major advance in heavy-lifting technology and demonstrates a new approach to the development and use of large engineering equipment. “Our partnership with Sinopec has created a new integrated model spanning R&D, manufacturing and application, ”Mr Yang said. He added that the project sets a new benchmark for the development and application of major technical equipment.
The ring crane features an electric direct-drive system that converts electrical power directly into mechanical movement. According to XCMG, the system can reduce energy consumption by more than 30%, improve operating efficiency by 20% and lower fuel costs and carbon emissions.
The crane has been developed in response to growing demand for equipment capable of handling increasingly large components used in major energy and infrastructure projects. It can be used in conventional energy, nuclear power and wind power projects. In conventional energy projects, the crane can lift large towers, vessels and other heavy components as complete units. This can reduce the need for sectional lifting and help lower risks during assembly, pressure testing and installation.
The equipment is also designed for nuclear power construction. XCMG said it can handle plant modules and major equipment for two nuclear islands from a single crane position using one boom configuration. For offshore wind projects, the crane’s lifting capacity and height are designed to support the installation of larger wind turbines.
The development comes as nuclear power projects increasingly use larger and more modular components, creating demand for high-capacity lifting systems. The new crane is expected to strengthen the role of Chinese-developed heavy-lifting equipment in large international engineering projects.
Mr Yang said XCMG will continue to develop ultra-large engineering equipment and provide safer, more efficient and energy-saving solutions for customers around the world. With its high lifting capacity, electric drive system and modular design, the 14,000-ton ring crane is expected to support a wide range of large-scale energy and industrial projects.
