Sarens is pioneering sustainable practices in the industry with its SGC-90 electric crane. Known affectionately as ‘Little Celeste,’ this revolutionary crane reduces energy consumption by up to 40% by feeding excess electricity back into the grid. It has already proven instrumental in several high-stakes projects, including Indonesia’s Balikpapan refinery and Taiwan’s Greater Changhua offshore wind farm.
Introduced in 2020, the SGC-90 redefines the heavy lifting sector with its all-electric design and a colossal maximum load capacity of 1,650 tonnes. Tailored for renewable energy projects and operations in environmentally sensitive zones, this crane eliminates reliance on diesel engines, thereby minimizing noise pollution and the risk of environmental contamination from hydraulic oil leaks. Additionally, its innovative hoist motor system generates electricity during load-lowering operations, underscoring its efficiency and environmental credentials.
Sarens’ dedication to advancing sustainable solutions comes at a pivotal time. With Asia emerging as a hub for renewable energy initiatives—particularly in offshore wind and oil and gas industries—the demand for eco-conscious lifting technologies is at an all-time high. In response, Sarens has aligned its R&D efforts with the global energy transition, focusing on developing electric cranes that reduce operational footprints and maintenance demands.
Balikpapan Refinery, Indonesia
In East Kalimantan, on Borneo’s island, the SGC-90 played a key role in upgrading the Balikpapan refinery—a cornerstone of Indonesia’s efforts to bolster domestic fuel production while meeting stringent environmental standards. Sarens orchestrated the record-breaking lift of a propane/propylene splitter weighing over 750 tonnes to heights exceeding 110 meters. This engineering feat highlighted the SGC-90’s capabilities in precision and power, making it an indispensable asset for the project.
Greater Changhua Offshore Wind Farm, Taiwan
The crane’s versatility was further demonstrated at the Greater Changhua offshore wind farm, a transformative project set to deliver renewable energy to over one million homes in Taiwan. Sarens oversaw the assembly of 33 wind turbine jackets, requiring lifts ranging from 2,500 to 2,800 tonnes. The SGC-90 served as the integration crane, complemented by a fleet that included the Liebherr LR1750 and Demag CC2800-1. The operation underscored the SGC-90’s adaptability and its critical role in achieving sustainable energy goals.
Sarens’ commitment to sustainability extends beyond the SGC-90. The company is actively modernizing its fleet and operations under the banner of “Sustainability Accelerators.” Efforts include transitioning to bio-based oils where electrification is not feasible and upgrading pumping systems on its barges to reduce their environmental impact.
The SGC-90 is part of Sarens’ family of giant cranes, which includes the larger SGC-250, famously nicknamed “Big Carl,” used for lifting nuclear reactors at the Hinkley Point C power station in England. While “Big Carl” caters to some of the heaviest lifting tasks globally, “Little Celeste” has carved its niche in projects demanding eco-friendly solutions.
