The behemoth SK6000 land crane being manufactured by heavy lifting and transport specialists Mammoet at its Westdorpe facility in the Netherlands will be launched later this month.

The company says the SK6000 ring crane will “redefine modular construction methodologies” across the heavy lifting industry, and it is believed that it will be crucial to the future constructability of offshore wind farm components.

Given its significant size, the crane will have “notable lifting capacity”, lifting up to 3 000 t to a height of 220 m.

“The project marks a new era in heavy lifting technology, offering unprecedented lifting capacity and reach, and opening up new construction methodologies for large projects,” says Mammoet SK6000 project manager Koen Brouwers.

He adds that the SK6000 ring crane is testa- ment to Mammoet’s commitment to innovation, and sustainability, and will offer full electric operation.

This means that the crane contributes towards the realisation of a transition to cleaner power sources, while driving down the overall carbon impact of energy projects.

The SK6000 has a maximum capacity of 6 000 t, and its sheer lifting power will allowMammoet clients to build more efficiently in larger pieces, shrinking the logistics, integration and mobilisation phases of projects.

The crane will provide a “huge leap forward” for projects in emerging energy sectors, by supporting the continued constructability of next-generation wind turbine and foundation components that are needed to achieve higher yields from offshore wind farms.

It will also unlock new modular construction options for nuclear facilities, with increased cost-effectiveness and safety.

In the oil and gas sector, the SK6000 will help new-build and expansion projects bene-fit from economies of scale on an “unprecedented” level.

The crane also amplifies the design philosophy of Mammoet’s SK190 and SK350 series, which are market proven.

Following mobilisation of all parts to Mammoet’s Westdorpe site, initial works include assembly of the crane’s base frame, power packs and control room.

Mammoet’s auxiliary cranes are supporting the build, including two 250-t crawler cranes and a 140-t Gottwald mobile harbour crane.

“This is a thrilling new chapter for Mammoet and modular construction in heavy industry, as we see the SK6000 taking shape,” Brouwers enthuses, adding it will offer a far-more enhanced hook height, outreach, and lifting capacity than any crane on the market.

“We are excited to bring this ground-breaking technology to our customers, helping them achieve their project goals in a more sustainable manner and with greater efficiency,” he concludes.