Two Potain MCT 385 topless tower cranes are playing a major role in the construction of the Zhoushan Taoyaomen Bridge in China, a project set to become the world’s longest-span road-rail cable-stayed hybrid-girder bridge.
Owned by Guizhou Shengyongsheng, the cranes are working on a key section of the Ningbo-Zhoushan Railway, part of China’s “Eight Vertical and Eight Horizontal” high-speed rail network.
China Railway Construction Bridge Engineering Bureau Group (CRBBG) is leading the bridge construction in a challenging marine environment, where the project demands reliable lifting performance and the ability to handle heavy loads at height.
The Potain MCT 385 cranes were selected for their stable performance and precise load handling capabilities. According to the company, the cranes were also simple and efficient to install on site, helping to reduce overall construction costs.
The cranes are supporting construction of the bridge’s main pylons, which began in January 2025 and are scheduled for completion in August 2026.
Once complete, the Zhoushan Taoyaomen Bridge will connect Fuchi Island and Cezi Island and feature a 666m main span.
The project is receiving customer support through Potain’s facility in Zhangjiagang, China, which recently marked 30 years of production. Support services include parts supply, service and training.
“On a key project like the Taoyaomen Bridge, crane reliability and efficiency are critical. The Potain MCT 385 design aligns well with the project’s requirements, particularly by reducing the number of structural ties and improving efficiency on site,” said Leo Qian, marketing manager for Manitowoc China.
The Potain MCT 385 has previously been used on other major infrastructure projects, including the Huajiang Canyon Bridge in China and a record-breaking bridge project in India.
Potain has also introduced an updated version of the crane, the MCT 385A L20, to its Asian tower crane range. The new model offers a maximum lifting capacity of 20 tonnes, or 3.4 tonnes at the end of its maximum 75m jib.
