A Potain HDM 40 self-erecting tower crane has been transported to the summit of Fløya mountain in northern Norway to assist with the construction of a new three-storey restaurant.
The project is located 421m above sea level at the upper station of the Fjellheisen cable car outside Tromsø, posing significant logistical challenges due to the remote and exposed environment.
Contractor Hent, tasked with building the restaurant, required a crane that could be both rapidly installed and offer dependable performance.
To address these requirements, Norwegian Potain dealer Kranor recommended the HDM 40 model, citing its combination of lifting capacity and ease of installation.
However, moving the crane to the mountaintop required an unconventional approach.
Kranor regional manager Andreas Jensen said: “The only solution was to put the crane on two large skis and pull it up Fløya mountain with the support of two powerful snow groomers. Custom-built twin-tip skis were fitted to the crane’s chassis, allowing it to be pulled into position.
“Once in place, the crane was secured to the jobsite’s concrete foundation to ensure working stability in an area of strong winds. Getting the crane to the mountaintop is a truly unique logistics achievement.”
The Potain HDM 40 selected for the project is 20 years old and weighs 14t. It features a maximum lifting capacity of 4t, and can lift 1t at the tip of its 35m jib.
On site, it is used to lift timber sections and concrete slabs, all of which are airlifted to the construction area by helicopter.
Kranor and Potain provide ongoing maintenance and support for the crane, which is essential for reliable operation in the isolated location.
The new restaurant will be three times larger than its predecessor and will feature an outdoor skywalk offering views of the surrounding fjords, Arctic landscape, and the Northern Lights.
Construction began in 2025 and is expected to be completed in 2027.
Kranor, based in Tromsø, operates a fleet of more than 150 Potain cranes, including several units that have been in service for over 20 years.
