The Potain MCT 385 topless tower crane has played a crucial role in building the Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge in Guizhou, southwestern China, now recognised as the tallest bridge in the world.
Towering 625 metres above the Huajiang River, the bridge dramatically reduces travel time between Liuzhi and Anlong from three hours to just 1.5 hours.
Arriving on site in late 2023, the MCT 385, owned by Guizhou ShengYongSheng and operated under the guidance of Guizhou Bridge Construction Group, was configured with a full 75-metre jib. The crane handled heavy lifting tasks, managing loads of up to 20 tonnes. It was pivotal in key construction activities such as erecting pylons and installing massive steel truss girders over the bridge’s 1,420-metre main span, part of the total 2,890-metre structure.
Working in one of the world’s most challenging environments, the MCT 385 faced sheer cliffs and rugged terrain. It operated alongside the world’s longest-span cable crane system, reaching areas that conventional cranes couldn’t. This not only sped up the project but also ensured stability and efficiency under extreme conditions.
“This canyon was once a construction ‘no-go zone’, but the Potain MCT 385 has reaffirmed Potain’s position as a manufacturer and strategic partner capable of delivering technological breakthroughs,” said Ling Qian, marketing manager – China, Manitowoc. “This project shows China’s ongoing commitment to ambitious infrastructure development and highlights the role global, high-end equipment can play in delivering these mega-projects. At Potain we want to drive innovation, turning projects that were previously impossible into reality.”
The MCT 385 isn’t new to challenging projects. Over the past decade, it has contributed to major developments in the region, including the Guiyang Twin Towers Project and the Xifeng Industrial Standardised Plant Project.