The industry trend of building bigger modules, which are more complex to lift, and the start of many mining and engineering projects after the recession have prompted global heavy lift contractor Sarens to 
develop a giant crane that can handle up to 120 000-t-metre load momentum.

Sarens global CEO Wim Sarens says that a higher-capacity crane is the future of the 
lifting industry and, while this is currently a challenge to the industry, the company sees it as an opportunity to develop its service 
offering.

“There has been a significant increase in 
enquiries in the lifting industry this year, owing to the subsiding recession. Companies are tackling larger projects and mines are 
resuming projects that were put on hold. Normal cranes, which can only handle about 40 000-t-metre load momentum, are not adequate anymore,” he asserts.

The idea of a giant crane emerged three years ago, moved into the conceptual engineering phase and assembly was started only a few months ago.

Another trend in the lifting industry is green technology and energy efficiency. Sarens 
explains that power and petrochemical plants need to be revamped and that cranes must become bigger to make better use of available space and offer smart technical solutions.

The company has also developed a special cost-saving device to erect wind turbines without using a crane. The development is taking place in Ethiopia, under the supervision of the South African office, and will take about two years. Sarens notes that the new device will cut costs significantly and has potential for use in remote areas.

Meanwhile, although the lifting industry as a whole has positive prospects, Sarens notes, it is important to differentiate between the 
industries of developed countries and developing countries.

“The industry is going through a dip in the developed market, as there is an abundance of equipment. 
“However, the developing market is experiencing a significant pick-up, with a relative shortage of equipment,” he notes.

He adds that this is especially evident in Europe, where many crane companies were started in the 1960s by the generation now reaching retirement age. 
“It will be interesting to see what happens to those companies when a new generation takes over,” he says.

The Sarens group aims to grow in developing countries, such as Asia and the Middle East, during 2010, and also plans to explore the American market. It has significant interest in Southern African development, with South Africa at the centre of this focus.

“South Africa has been a standalone country for Sarens’ global operations in the past, but it will become the regional headquarters for our planned Southern African operations,” Sarens asserts.

Sarens South Africa aims to combine its global knowledge and experience with local content to grow its establishments. Sarens points out that there is currently significant demand 
for a total package, as companies do not want to work with different contractors any-
more, but prefer one contractor to handle all the different aspects of a project, such as lifting, moving, maintenance and equipment supply.

The company offers different types of ser-
vices, ranging from technical solutions to complete project management. 
It also supplies cranes on operated rent and bare lease rent. Locally, Sarens South Africa offers a day-to-day taxi service, as well as a complete solutions package.