Renewable energy is shaping the future, and wind farms across Australia are rapidly
expanding, creating a growing need for specialised crane services. Fleurieu Cranes, based
in South Australia, has been responding to this rising demand, evolving from humble beginnings to become a key player.
Chris Leane, Business Development Manager at Fleurieu Cranes shared insights into how the company continues to meet new challenges and opportunities.
“We began working in the wind industry about 15 years ago with two Demag All-Terrain cranes – an AC200 200-tonne (t) and an AC350 350-tonne, however the real turning point for us came when we purchased Australia’s first Grove GMK6400 crane, a six-axle 400t crane,” Chris said. “This crane has proven itself repeatedly and remains a vital part of our fleet even today. It performs well beyond its competitors with a tip height of approximately 100m.”
Fleurieu Cranes has expanded its capabilities significantly in recent years to keep pace with rapidly changing industry requirements. The addition of the Tadano AC 6.300 – a versatile 300t crane with a substantial main boom – highlights the company’s flexibility. Chris notes this crane as particularly suitable for smaller hub height wind farms scattered across South Australia.
But perhaps the most significant recent investment for Fleurieu Cranes has been the Liebherr LTM 1650-8.1. This new machine is designed to handle the heavier and larger lifts demanded by modern wind farm projects. The 700t, eight-axle crane is class leading, and with the vast capability and configurations available, it completes wind farm work with ease.
Chris emphasised the importance of acquisitions.
“We continuously assess our fleet based on both current and anticipated needs of our clients,” he said. “While we’re not directly moving into crawler cranes, our existing fleet ensures we can effectively support a wide variety of tasks at wind farms.”
Role in wind energy sector
Fleurieu Cranes works across multiple aspects of the renewable and wind sector, typically in the maintenance and ongoing operations of an already established wind farm, such as major component change-outs. However, more recently, the company has assisted with construction.
While Fleurieu Cranes does not usually erect wind turbines itself, its role is crucial in other project aspects.
“Our responsibilities include civil works, unloading wind farm components, and critical support roles. Erecting turbines often requires specialised crawler cranes, which fall outside our core operations,” Chris said.
The rapid growth of turbine sizes presents challenges.
“Wind turbines are getting taller and heavier,” Chris said. “While some aspects exceed our current capabilities, our role remains essential in the broader wind energy infrastructure space.”
He said safety, reliability, and precision are foundational elements at Fleurieu Cranes and described the importance of the dedicated specialist lift team.
“Our team’s deep familiarity with wind farm projects supports our ‘safety-first’ approach, ensuring smooth operations and reducing risks,” he said.
Further improving operational excellence, the company maintains an internal Health, Safety, Environment, and Quality (HSEQ) team. It produces detailed safety protocols, conducts risk assessments, and ensures that personnel and machines adhere to strict industry standards.
“We are ISO 45001, ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certified, reflecting our strong commitment and continued improvement to safety, quality, and the environment,” Chris said.
Sustainable Growth
Sustainability is also a critical part of Fleurieu Cranes’ operations. Chris detailed how the company’s headquarters at Wingfield is largely self-sufficient.
“Our head office is mostly off-grid which is possible due to the 100,000 litres of rainwater storage. It services the workshop, offices and other industrial areas. We generate up to 70 kilowatts (kW) of solar power, which now drives energy efficiency due to the addition of battery storage. All this makes the site self-sufficient, especially during summer.” Additionally, Fleurieu Cranes helps offset carbon emissions from its crane and vehicle fleet.
“We donate a portion of our proceeds to ensure we offset 100 per cent carbon emissions generated through diesel fuel consumption via an external organisation ‘Trees for Life’. This is delivered through the planting of trees,” Chris said.
Looking to the future, he remains confident and optimistic.
“We’re monitoring the market to ensure we are abreast of the latest developments in crane technology and market trends, ready to adapt and innovate.”