Modularise
Mammoet’s SK6000 crane sets new limits for modular construction
Modular design covers measures such as using common components across turbine models that can be easily reused and repaired; avoiding the use of irreversible joints between parts, especially when they have different lifetimes; and strengthening quality assurance, possibly with inclusion of quality-monitoring devices.
Modular design can ease disassembly and other circularity measures such as reuse and repair, reducing costs for new wind farms, O&M and end-of-use management. By enabling the decoupling of component lifetimes from wind turbine lifecycles, modularisation avoids the wastage of any remaining lifetime of components that are still safe to operate. Moreover, it can enable partial disassembly of turbines for upgrades to increase quality and performance, and to lower transport costs of otherwise more oversized loads.
The description of this circular strategy comes from the University of Leeds. The industry example underneath is independent of the university and their researchers.
Meet the SK6000 – the modular crane built for strength and sustainability
The SK6000 is the world’s strongest land-based crane and was developed by Mammoet in response to trends in modular construction present in the market. As energy facilities grow, building in bigger pieces means less time spent integrating, lifting and building – resulting in shorter projects, which benefits the environment. Offshore wind components in particular have grown in size to such an extent that the world’s largest cranes are needed to assemble them. The SK6000 was launched in late 2024, following years of development by dozens of the world’s most experienced heavy lifting engineers. The crane comprises many elements already present in Mammoet’s equipment stock – for example, its back mast is a configuration of its sister SK350 crane’s front mast. Standing at 177 meters tall (274 meters with its jib extension attached), and with a lifting capacity of 6,000 tonnes, it is truly a world record feat of engineering that sets new limits for heavy lifting.
Powerful yet portable
The size and strength of the SK6000 belies its manoeuvrability and portability. Each of its pieces is either a standard 20-foot or 40-foot shipping container or can be put inside a standard shipping container.
This means that specialist geared vessels, equipped with onboard cranes and other cargo-handling equipment, are not necessary to transport the crane to different locations.
Like other cranes in Mammoet’s SK range, the SK6000 reduces disruption and preparation on site by using a centralised ballast, meaning there is no need to install a full ring track.
This frees up site space by up to 45%, allowing operations around the crane to continue and work to commence faster
Strong and sustainable
The SK6000 is a 6,000t class ring crane that allows EPCs and project owners to build bigger than ever before.
With its long outreach, small minimum footprint and relatively low site impact, it greatly reduces time spent connecting, building and testing – so that more time can be spent producing energy.
The SK6000 can operate directly from grid power – or, at sites without power network access or with supply stability issues – via batteries or hydrogen generators.
By eliminating C02 emissions and reducing noise levels, it makes work environments safer, more comfortable and can dramatically reduce the carbon footprint of large projects.
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Colossal but critical
Large ring cranes such as the SK6000 are very significant engineering development projects that can last upwards of half a decade.
These cranes are produced to meet demands in the marketplace for greater efficiency in modular construction, particularly in nuclear and offshore wind.
As components continue to grow, large ring cranes such as the SK6000 will play a critical role in ensuring the future constructability of offshore wind farms and nuclear power plants.
The SK6000 unlocks greater possibilities and efficiencies when it comes to modular construction projects.
Engineered to the highest standardards
The SK6000 was engineered entirely in-house at Mammoet. Its dedicated hubs have the world’s largest concentration of heavy lift engineering expertise.
This team spent years working the crane through from engineering concepts to final blueprints. Once these plans were in place, trusted fabrication suppliers produced the new parts required.
These components were shipped to Mammoet’s Westdorpe location in Zeeland in the Netherlands, where a multi-skilled team assembled the SK6000, ready for testing.
The SK6000 was tested in line with European crane standards, and additional side load tests were performed for compliance with US crane standards.
While third-party surveying is not mandatory, this was completed to ensure that the SK6000 was built to the highest safety levels and met compliance globally for Mammoet and its customers.
A modular crane for a growing world
As the world grows, so do our energy needs. Offshore wind turbines are growing to reach more reliable winds at higher heights, becoming both taller and heavier in the process.
The SK6000 allows these facilities to be constructed more cost-effectively, in a shorter timescale, because they can be built in the smallest number of pieces and movements as possible.
In the case of offshore wind, there are a few dozen cranes in the world that can take on components up to 2,500t – and the SK6000 is the strongest of all of them.
About Mammoet
Mammoet helps clients with Smarter, Safer and Stronger solutions to any heavy lifting or transport challenge. It aims to develop long term relationships in order to understand their businesses and challenges best, so it can realise the most efficient and cost-effective approaches.
It has a unique global network and an unparalleled fleet of equipment. Through deep and longstanding engineering expertise and the highest quality and safety standards in execution, it brings an intelligent and flexible approach to projects across a wide breadth of industry sectors.
Clients trust Mammoet to help them achieve feats that were once considered impossible, and it has often broken records in doing so.
Other circular strategies
See here the other Circular Strategies, which already provide a frontrunning showcase or are still available for new industry partners!
Repurpose
Refurbish
Waste prevention
Reuse
Dematerialise
Remine