Italian heavy lift specialist SIMI has successfully employed an Enerpac SBL1100 hydraulic gantry system to assemble and install four massive Wärtsilä engines at the Ime Power plant in Termoli, Italy.
Each 305-ton engine was delivered in disassembled form for easier transport. At a nearby temporary structure, SIMI used a combination of the Enerpac SBL1100 gantry, skidding rollers, and track-mounted jacks to lift and accurately position each engine component during the assembly process. Once fully rebuilt — measuring 14.5 x 6 x 5.8 meters — the engines were lifted by the gantry and transported into the power plant using SPMT trailers.
A SIMI spokesperson emphasized the importance of precise lifting for the operation: “The Enerpac gantry provided a safe and highly accurate solution, essential for managing both vertical and horizontal movements.” Horizontal moves were carried out using skidding rollers, while vertical lifts were performed with track-mounted jacks, enabling meticulous positioning throughout.
The Enerpac SBL1100 is the company’s highest capacity hydraulic gantry, featuring three-stage lifting cylinders capable of reaching 12 meters and lifting up to 10,484 kN at the first stage. It comes equipped with Intelli-Lift wireless control, offering precise load control with automatic lift and travel synchronization — accurate to 24 mm and 15 mm respectively.
