The Port of Nantes in France has taken a giant leap towards modernisation with the installation of the custom-built Potain MD 689 M25 tower crane. This major investment is set to enhance the port’s ability to handle larger vessels with greater efficiency.
Operating since March at the naval maintenance and repair quay, the new crane replaces an older model that served the port since 1960. Custom-designed by Potain Lift Solutions, the crane boasts cutting-edge technology and features tailored specifically to meet the port’s unique requirements.
Key features include a new type of gantry traveling unit, advanced corrosion-resistant coating suitable for the harsh seaside environment, and state-of-the-art digital connectivity. The crane is mounted on a gantry interfaced with the Potain Crane Control System (CCS), enabling it to travel smoothly across 170 metres of rails, covering all three of the port’s dry docks.
One standout innovation is the traveling gantry, the first of its kind on a Potain crane to be fitted with frequency inverter drives, integrated into the CCS. This ensures fluid, stepless motion along the tracks and superior lifting performance. When combined with the Potain CONNECT™ digital platform, the system offers real-time remote diagnostics, machine operation alerts, and remote control capabilities.
“Lifting operations in ports have always been dynamic and demanding, with very high economic stakes,” said Sylvain Brunet, Lift Solutions business project manager. “For Nantes Saint-Nazaire Port, the requirements of the industry and the needs of our customers led us to develop an even more robust and innovative solution.”
The Potain MD 689 M25 features permanent double reeving, delivering a maximum lift capacity of 25 tonnes with the jib at 26 metres, and 7.6 tonnes when extended to its maximum reach of 75 metres. Its durable coating meets the C5-H standard under ISO 12944, ensuring resilience against the corrosive portside elements.
Additional customisations include specially designed access routes, dedicated dimmable lighting to minimise interference with ground operations, work cameras on the trolley and portal, and an advanced communications system with in-cab microphones, external loudspeakers, and secure channel encryption.
With this significant upgrade, the Port of Nantes is well-equipped to expand its operations and meet future demands. “All that remains is to wish this machine a long life, just like its predecessor,” Brunet added.