Mammoet is building the world’s strongest land-based crane

The Mammoet SK6000 ring crane redefines modular construction methods for heavy industries

Mammoet has started assembling the world’s strongest land-based ring crane, the SK6000. 

Development of the SK6000 was announced in 2022 and the crane is currently being built at Mammoet’s Westdorpe facility in the Netherlands.

The project marks a new era in heavy lifting technology, offering unprecedented lifting capacity and reach, and opening up new construction methods for large projects. 

“This is a thrilling new chapter for Mammoet and modular construction in heavy industry, as we see the SK6000 taking shape,” said Koen Brouwers, Mammoet’s Project Manager for the SK6000. 

“It will offer a hook height, outreach and lifting capacity far in excess of any crane on the market. We are excited to bring this groundbreaking technology to our customers, helping them achieve their project goals with greater efficiency and more sustainably.”

The SK6000 has a maximum capacity of 6,000 tonnes and is capable of lifting components up to 3,000 tonnes to a height of 220 metres. The crane also features a maximum radius of 144 metres.

Its sheer lifting power will allow Mammoet customers to build more efficiently in larger pieces, shrinking the logistics, integration and mobilization phases of projects.

For example, the crane can lift suction bucket jackets, XXL monopiles and floating wind foundations that support the quick growing scale of wind turbines.

Electric operation

The SK6000 ring crane is also designed to enhance sustainable construction efforts.  

The crane will offer full electric operation, enabling the transition to cleaner power sources while driving down the carbon impact of energy projects themselves.

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

It also unlocks new modular construction possibilities for nuclear facilities, with increased cost-effectiveness and safety.

In the oil and gas sector, the SK6000 helps construction and expansion projects  benefit from economies of scale on a new level. 

Established DNA

The new ring crane shares the same engineering DNA as its predecessor, the SK350. By employing similar design principles and lifting techniques, it provides customers with continuity. As well, much of the crane’s technology has been working safely and successfully on project sites around the globe for many years.

Like earlier models, the SK6000 is containerized, enabling swift mobilization and on-site assembly, providing ultra-heavy lift capacity wherever it is needed. 

Following mobilization 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-tonne crawler cranes and a 140-tonne Gottwald mobile harbour crane.

Assembly of the SK6000 is expected to be completed in the fourth quarter of this year.