Sarens has been awarded for its role in driving sustainability at the Port of Antwerp, thanks to its efforts in upgrading its fleet with environmentally friendly machinery, including electric cranes. The heavy lifting and crane rental specialist, headquartered in Wolvertem, Belgium, has recently expanded its fleet by adding 80 all-terrain cranes that comply with the latest EUROMOT Stage V emissions standards. Additionally, Sarens has upgraded its truck fleet, ensuring all new vehicles meet EURO 6 emissions standards, further enhancing its green credentials.
As part of its commitment to reducing emissions and noise pollution, Sarens has been continuously investing in innovative solutions. The company developed the SGC-90 (Sarens Giant Crane), the world’s first green giant crane, followed by the Heavy Luffing Tower Cranes (HLTC) and the E-Pack system for telescopic cranes. The E-Pack enables these cranes to operate on electricity and even return surplus power to the grid during operation. This technology has become especially valuable at ports involved in lifting cargo for offshore wind projects, where the electric cranes offer reduced emissions and lower operating costs compared to diesel-powered models.
Sarens has also expanded its fleet of battery-powered self-erecting mobile tower cranes, adding two new Spierings eLift units: the SK597-AT4 eLift and the SK1265-AT6 eLift. This brings its total eLift fleet to eight cranes. The eLift cranes operate 63% of the time on electricity and 37% in hybrid mode, achieving a 90% reduction in fuel consumption compared to conventional mobile tower cranes. These cranes are increasingly in demand, particularly for their efficiency and environmental benefits.
The SK597-AT4 eLift has a seven-ton maximum capacity, a 48-meter jib, and a compact chassis, with a maximum lifting height of 58.1 meters when the jib is luffed to 45 degrees. The SK1265-AT6 eLift, meanwhile, boasts a 10-ton maximum capacity and a 60-meter jib, offering a 1,700-kilogram jib tip capacity at a 37-meter horizontal jib height. This model can reach a maximum lift height of 66 meters when the jib is luffed to 30 degrees.
Sarens continues to invest in renewable energy projects worldwide, having installed over 1,000 wind turbines and formed strategic partnerships in the offshore wind and nuclear sectors. Sarens has aligned with organizations like the World Forum Offshore Wind for floating offshore wind (FLOW) projects, PSG Marine and Logistics Ltd. for offshore wind in Scotland, and Tugdock for floating wind solutions. Additionally, the company is involved in Small Modular Reactor (SMR) technology to support clean nuclear energy projects in the United States.
In line with its sustainability goals, Sarens is transitioning to biodegradable hydraulic oils in its barge operations. All ballasting systems are now being converted to use Biohydran TMP hydraulic fluid, which is free from harmful zinc commonly found in traditional hydraulic oils.
Furthermore, Sarens has invested in renewable energy at its Belgian headquarters, where over 3,000 solar panels have been installed, with plans for further solar energy integration across its European offices. Sarens remains committed to leading the transition to green technologies in the construction and industrial sectors.