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CICA Lift of the Year Award winners

lift of the year

For many, the Crane Industry Council of Australia (CICA) Lift of the Year Awards were the highlight of the 2024 Gala Dinner with more entries than ever for each category. We take a brief look at the winning entries.

Project of the year winner – John Holland Group, Sydney Gateway Project

Sydney Gateway is a New South Wales Government initiative to improve road transport to and from Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport precinct. 

As part of an integrated transport network, the Sydney Gateway project increased capacity and improved connections to the Airport precinct to assist with growth in passenger, freight, and commuter traffic movements across the region.

The collaboration between John Holland and various stakeholders played a pivotal role in the successful completion of the project. Meticulous lift planning and implementation of safety measures ensured the elimination of risks to public safety while innovative lifting methods used throughout the project contributed to the delivering of excellent project outcomes.

Lift of the year more than 20t winner BMS Heavy Cranes Australia and CPB Contractors & John Holland Group Joint Venture.

Lift of the year more than 20t winner – BMS Heavy Cranes Australia and CPB Contractors & John Holland Group Joint Venture, Girder GSR-08 Install of Bridge 80 of the West Gate Tunnel Project

The bridge girder installation lift carried out by BMS Heavy Cranes Australia and CPB Contractors & John Holland Group Joint Venture demonstrated professionalism in engineering planning and efficiency in plant selection and operation for the lifting task. 

The lift faced many constraints from the site’s location and condition. A strong focus on early planning, engineering and constructability ensured a higher level of engineering control. Every step of the lift was well planned and well executed. The high complexity in site preparation, crane positioning, crane selection, and the rigging design are the winning points for this lift.

Lift of the year more than 20t
runner up – 
John Holland & Borger Cranes, Botany Rail Duplication project Robey St Bridge 

The Botany Rail Duplication Project duplicated the remaining 2.9-kilometre section of single line track leading to Port Botany, allowing freight to be moved more efficiently. The construction of the Robey Street rail bridge included the removal of the existing structure. The impressive 160-tonne lift of the old Robey Street bridge was complex and challenging due to the age of the asset, restricted access, and the need to interface with various stakeholders, including Sydney Airport and Transport for NSW.

The lift, carried out by John Holland and Borger cranes, was completed successfully, safely, and according to plan, allowing the project to replace the bridge without any delays to handback or disruptions to road and railway users.

Lift of the year less than 20t winner. John Holland and Johnson & Young Cranes.

Lift of the year less than 20t winner – John Holland and Johnson & Young Cranes, Relocation of the heritage-listed Nissen Hut

The relocation of the Nissen Hut was an integral part of the delivery of the new Maidstone Tram Maintenance and Stabling Facility, being built in Melbourne’s west to support the Victorian Government’s $1.85 billion investment in 100 new Next Generation Trams.

To avoid excessive deflection and stresses in the structure, the project team decided to replicate the permanent support conditions and introduce underslung beams either side of the timber posts. A special 24-point lifting frame with more than 214 individual elements was designed for the lifting and transport of the hut. 

The John Holland and Johnson & Young Cranes team demonstrated exceptional knowledge and expertise in the planning and execution of this complex lifting operation, ensuring its ultimate success and preserving an important part of Melbourne’s heritage.

Innovation award winner. Alevro, LNG Compressors Jack Down with Jacking System.

Innovation award winner – Alevro, LNG Compressors Jack Down with Jacking System

Alevro, in collaboration with Bechtel, introduced a synchronous jacking system designed to minimise on-site installation activities. This innovative system features 44 individual climbing jacks and two power packs, synchronously connected by a central control system. Innovative bamboo timber was selected due to its superior physical properties compared to traditional hardwoods. 

The jack down innovation for a compressor module of this size is a world first. It was also the first time an entire module was prefabricated in a fabrication yard and installed onto a foundation. This system ensures millimetric precision and complete control of the loads, critical for handling sensitive modules.

Bill Shaw Memorial Cup winner. BMS Heavy Cranes Australia and CPB Contractors & John Holland Group Joint Venture.

Bill Shaw Memorial Cup winner – BMS Heavy Cranes Australia and CPB Contractors & John Holland Group Joint Venture, Girder GSR-08 Install of Bridge 80 of the West Gate Tunnel Project

The Bill Shaw Memorial Trophy is for the overall best lift. Among the entries from all categories this year, the Girder GSR-08 Install of Bridge 80 of the West Gate Tunnel Project stood out with the enormous amount of detailed lift planning and engineering controls in place to conquer the many constraints from the site, and the high efficiency in lift operations. 

The project team displayed a commitment to ensuring the work carried out was planned and executed to the highest standard of safety. 

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