World’s first 14,000-ton ring crane rolls out to lift giant nuclear plant modules

XCMG unveiled the world's first 14,000-ton ring crane.XCMG A Chinese heavy machinery manufacturer has rolled out the first main unit of the world’s first 14,000-ton ring crane, in a historic breakthrough in ultra-heavy lifting technology. The massive machine is being developed jointly by Xuzhou-headquartered XCMG and Sinopec Heavy Lifting & Transportation, a Beijing-based firm specializing in heavy lifting and transport. The crane is expected to tackle some of the heaviest lifts required by nuclear power plants, energy sites and offshore wind farms. Once assembled, the crane will be able to lift up to 14,000 tons, with a maximum lifting moment of 700,000 ton-meters. These figures will reportedly make it the largest-capacity ring crane ever built. “This crane is more than an incremental improvement,” Yang Dongsheng, XCMG Group and XCMG Machinery chairman, noted. “It represents a transformative leap for the global heavy-lifting industry.” A modular system The crane features a modular configuration, which consists of two main units that work in tandem. XCMG completed final assembly of the crane’s first main unit and rolled it off the production line on August 28. The machine can also carry out lifting operations independently, according to the company. Once the firm completes the second modular part and integrates the two units, the crane will reach its full 14,000-ton lifting capacity. The crane also has a pioneering electric direct-drive system that can convert electric power directly into motion. It slashes energy consumption by more than 30 percent and increases operating efficiency by 20 percent. According to the company, the technology can also significantly lower fuel costs and carbon emissions. Yang highlighted the importance of the collaboration with Sinopec for the project. “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,” he added. Heavy lifting for energy The ring crane will mainly support nuclear construction, where increasingly larger components demand more lifting power. It will handle plant modules and other major equipment for two nuclear islands. XCMG said it can finish the lifts from a single position using the same boom configuration. Meanwhile, the crane is also designed for conventional energy projects. It can lift large towers and vessels as complete units, rather than requiring them to be installed in sections. This approach could reduce risks associated with on-site assembly, pressure testing, and other installation work. “The 14,000-ton ring crane marks a major step in the growing role of Chinese-developed high-end lifting equipment in nuclear power construction worldwide,” the company pointed out. What’s more, engineers will also be able to use the giant crane in the growing offshore wind industry. Larger wind turbines require cranes to handle heavier components at greater heights. Its lifting capacity and height will help it support the installation of larger-capacity wind turbines. “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,” Yang concluded in a press release. Get the latest in engineering, tech, space & science - delivered daily to your inbox.Based in Skopje, North Macedonia. Her work has appeared in Daily Mail, Mirror, Daily Star, Yahoo, NationalWorld, Newsweek, Press Gazette and others. She covers stories on batteries, wind energy, sustainable shipping and new discoveries. When she's not chasing the next big science story, she's traveling, exploring new cultures, or enjoying good food with even better wine.