Mammoet, a global leader in heavy lifting and transport, has introduced the SK6000, a groundbreaking crane that sets a new benchmark in land-based lifting capabilities. With a phenomenal lifting capacity of 6,000 tonnes, the SK6000 is positioned to transform how large-scale energy and infrastructure projects are executed around the world.
The unveiling of the SK6000 comes at a critical time when the global demand for energy continues to surge, pushing the limits of existing construction methods and technologies. This crane is not just a new piece of equipment; it’s a game-changer. It enables the assembly of enormous components directly at project sites, significantly speeding up construction timelines and slashing costs. Imagine being able to put together massive offshore wind turbines or large-scale oil rigs faster than ever before—this is the kind of efficiency the SK6000 brings to the table.
In the offshore wind sector, where the size of turbines and components is rapidly increasing, the SK6000 addresses a growing concern: how to safely and efficiently manage these larger elements. With the ability to lift up to 3,000 tonnes to a height of 220 meters, the crane ensures that today’s most ambitious wind farm designs are feasible. By handling such heavy loads with ease, it also helps alleviate supply chain bottlenecks, a common issue that delays project timelines. For an industry that thrives on tight schedules, the SK6000 could be the silver bullet needed to keep projects on track.
The oil and gas sector, too, stands to benefit immensely from this engineering marvel. The crane’s capacity and versatility streamline the integration process for offshore floating projects, as well as onshore constructions and expansions. Modular construction—where critical components are built offsite and then assembled onsite—becomes far more practical with the SK6000. This means reduced downtime, quicker turnaround, and potentially millions saved in project costs.
Even the nuclear energy sector, which is witnessing a resurgence in new build projects, is set to gain from the SK6000’s capabilities. Nuclear plants rely heavily on modular construction methods to keep timelines short and costs manageable. The SK6000, with its remarkable lifting power and innovative design, supports this approach, allowing plants to come online faster and start delivering low-carbon energy to communities sooner.
But the SK6000 is not just a feat of brute strength; it’s a masterpiece of modern engineering. Equipped with 4,200 tonnes of ballast and a maximum ground bearing pressure of 30 tonnes per square meter, this crane is built to handle the toughest jobs in the most challenging environments. Its design also takes into account ease of transport and deployment, with components that can be shipped in standard containers to any location worldwide.
Additionally, the crane offers a fully electric power capability, using either batteries or grid power. This feature significantly reduces the carbon footprint of construction activities, aligning perfectly with global sustainability objectives. “This crane is truly a world record feat of engineering, with a production schedule to match,” says Gavin Kerr, Mammoet’s Director of Global Services. “There are very few companies on Earth—if any—that could have brought this crane into reality, and we are immensely proud to be able to do so.”
Currently, the SK6000 is undergoing rigorous testing at Mammoet’s facility in Westdorpe, Netherlands. Once testing is complete, it is expected to be deployed to its first project later this year. This crane not only marks a new era in heavy lifting but also provides a strategic advantage for industries striving to meet global energy demands in a more efficient and sustainable way.
