The Model 18000 will lift all the major components, including the steam turbines and the steel structures that support them. The giant crawler, which arrived on site at the end of 2005, will remain on the project until completion in 2009.

The crane’s owner is Demont, a contractor specialising in the installation and maintenance of structures inside industrial facilities. Demont is leading work on the project in conjunction with Ansaldo Caldaie and Babcock-Hitachi.

At present, the Model 18000 is working with 79m (259ft) of main boom and 33m (108ft) of luffing jib together with the capacity-enhancing MAX-ER attachment, which gives the unit a maximum lift capacity of 750t (827 US tons). Demont studied a number of lifting options prior to beginning work on the Torrevaldaliga project but Manitowoc said it opted for the 18000 because of its lifting capacity – particularly at long radii – and its compact dimensions, which allowed it to fit into existing spaces within the power plant. The 18000’s hefty pick-and-carry capability was an additional advantage.

In addition to the Manitowoc crawler, Demont purchased three Potain tower cranes for the project. The two MR 605 luffing jib cranes and the MD 485 top-slewing crane are working in conjunction with the Model 18000 handling materials as part of the finishing process once the Manitowoc has placed the larger structural pieces.

The MR 605 can handle a maximum of 32t (35 US tons) or 17.5t (19 US tons) at its jib end of 40m (131ft). The MD 485 can lift a maximum of 25t (28 US tons) or 3t (3.3 US tons) at its jib end of 80m (262ft).