COMMENT Ӏ JANUARY 2025
THE FUTURE OF LIFTING?
As we step into 2025 the lifting and specialised transportation industry continues to evolve – embracing cutting-edge innovations that redefine how we operate. This month’s issue celebrates these advancements with a spotlight on technology and ingenuity driving progress across the sector. Leading the way in the UK is contractor Winvic which is
the first in the country to use Skyline Cockpit ground control technology (see page 36). Skyline Cockpit has been developed by Israeli company
Skyline Cranes and Technologies, owners of Israel’s largest crane fleet, in collaboration with Winvic and lifting solutions provider the Radius Group. Winvic is now using it to help build student accommodation in Birmingham. The system replaces traditional crane cabins with ground- based control facilities equipped with advanced cameras and real-time data. That's right, Winvic's Potain MR225 luffing jib tower crane is being controlled entirely from the ground! The results from an initial 12-week trial were nothing short of
transformative: a 10% boost in productivity, elimination of blind spots, and improved decision-making. Now the trial is over the system will continue to be utilised until the job is complete. Beyond its technical and productivity benefits Skyline Cockpit also addresses some of the workforce challenges faced by our industry. By eliminating the need for operators to climb crane masts daily, it reduces physical strain and makes the role more accessible to individuals with disabilities or those who have a fear of heights. Additionally, this technology aligns with the digital-first mindset of younger generations, making the role of a tower crane operator more attractive to a new cohort of talent at a time when recruitment is increasingly challenging. With operators working from ground-level facilities, the profession is entering a new era of inclusivity and appeal.
MENTIONED IN THIS ISSUE Baltic Towers
Bridgestone Corporation Buss Ports
Cushaling Wind Farm
21 32 25
Collett 26 Cometto
17, 21, 22, 25 26
Daiei Construction Corporation 10 Denzai 10 DOLL 26 Faymonville 25 HEBO 8 HKV 22
The system’s flexibility and potential for broader adoption mark it as a key innovation for high-rise and complex projects, setting a new standard for operational excellence. This issue also explores
how the wind energy sector is driving innovation in specialised transport vehicles and machinery. As wind turbines grow larger and regulatory requirements become stricter, manufacturers are rising to the challenge. Highlights include the new hybrid-powered Cometto ModulMAX SP-E SPMT, designed to meet eco-friendly regulations in markets like Denmark, and the HH Pick and Carry from N.C. Nielsen – a hybrid of an SPMT and a crane, offering unprecedented flexibility for handling wind turbine components.
The Ground Control video game from the Noughties; as a process, however, ground control could be the future of
tower crane operation (see p36) whilst also attracting young people to the role.
These stories highlight the resilience and creativity that define our industry. As we celebrate these achievements and innovations I hope you find inspiration and practical insights in these pages. As always I welcome your feedback and contributions. Whether it’s a groundbreaking project or a thought-provoking opinion, your input keeps this publication a vital resource for the lifting and specialised transportation community.
Christian Shelton, Editor
Christian.Shelton@
btmi.com
Kavanagh Crane Hire Liebherr
32 13, 22, 32
Lift-Rite 15 Linglong 28 Magna Tyres Mammoet
Michelin 32 Mitas 30 N.C. Nielsen
NMT Crane Hire Nooteboom Potain
29 8, 15, 25
18 13 26 37
Radius Group
37
Sarens 10, 22 Scheuerle
25
Skyline Cranes and Technologies 37 The Crown Estate TII Group
Tire Monitor System
10 22 34
Tugdock 10 Victor Buyck Steel Construction
Winvic 37 8
CRANES TODAY 7
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