The airport, inaugurated in 1999, has started a second stage project to substantially increase its capacity; with four new EC-HMc Liebherr tower cranes recently delivered for use at the construction of a new terminal.

As part of this project, the work has begun on a new terminal. It covers an area approximately 1400m long and 300m wide, and is scheduled to be completed in the Autumn of 2007.

The present construction of the concrete base and walls started in February 2005 in an 11 month contract.

Concrete work has been divided between two main contractors, with one, Shanghai Nr 7 Construction Co. Ltd, purpose-ordering four Liebherr EC-HMc tower cranes in addition to its fleet of 10 older Liebherr models. The second contractor is also relying on its fleet of at least 10 Liebherr tower cranes.

”The choice of the Liebherr cranes for the new Pudong terminal was based on our positive experience,” says a spokesperson from Shanghai Nr 7 Construction Co. Ltd, ”We need a quality product for our new contract at Pudong.”

The company has taken delivery of a Liebherr 200 EC-HMc and three 132 EC-HMc. The 200 EC-HMc has a hook height of 44m and is equipped with a 60m jib. The crane has a maximum lifting capacity of 10t with a 2.4t lifting capacity at the maximum jib radius.

The EC-HMc series cranes are designed according to a modular principle, featuring low transport costs and quick and easy erecting. The load categories are suitable for medium to large size construction projects.

Two of the Liebherr 132 EC-HMc cranes are equipped with 60 m jibs, and hook heights of 25m and 37m respectively. They have a lifting capacity of 6t with 1.2t capacity at maximum jib radius. The third unit has a 22m hook height with a 45m jib, and a 2.8t capacity at the maximum jib radius.

All four new Liebherr units are placed on foundation anchors. They are placed so that they overlap slightly, and are used to move supports, beams and concrete.

The Shanghai Nr 7 Construction Company is one of two main contractors working at the building of the new terminal at this time. They have some 2,000 staff engaged, with tower cranes working 24 hours a day, seven days a week.