Sarens, a crane rental and heavy lifting company, has been hard at work on INEOS’ massive new petrochemical facility—Project ONE—in Antwerp, Belgium.
Since July 2023, Sarens has been handling complex logistics like transporting oversized structures, coordinating marine and road deliveries, and using some of the world’s biggest cranes.
In one key phase of the project, Sarens moved big furnace modules—each more than 60 metres tall and weighing up to 7,700 tonnes—using self-propelled modular trailers (SPMTs). One standout task included lifting a 100-metre-long, 800-tonne structure known as C3 using their brand-new LR 12500-1.0 crane, nicknamed “Strong Sofie”.
In total, the project will use 88 cranes and over 400 SPMT axle lines. That includes other major lifting equipment like the LR 1750, LR 11000, CC 3800, and CC 2800 cranes, sourced from various Sarens hubs across Europe.
300 specialists from 28 countries
To pull it all off, Sarens brought in 300 skilled professionals, either hired or reassigned from other locations. These workers represent 28 nationalities, brought together to tackle the shortage of experienced operators in the region.
To house them, Sarens bought and renovated an old hotel in Zandvliet, finishing the upgrades by early 2024. The company also rented extra housing like apartments and bungalows to make sure staff had comfortable, long-term living arrangements.
Dealing with bad weather and tight spaces
2024 turned out to be Belgium’s wettest year on record, making road conditions tricky and delaying crane movements. But Sarens adjusted its plans using digital tools and flexible scheduling. The worksite itself is cramped, with multiple contractors operating in the same area, so coordination was key.
To streamline operations, Sarens used real-time tracking tech to monitor equipment movement. They also brought in engineering expertise from their global offices, including South Korea, and used support from hubs in Belgium, the Netherlands, Poland, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic.
INEOS Project ONE is set to become a benchmark for cleaner, more efficient industrial construction in Europe. The site is designed to use advanced technology that reduces emissions and boosts energy efficiency.
For Sarens, it’s a chance to show how cutting-edge logistics, international teamwork, and smart planning can help deliver one of Europe’s most important industrial builds. The project is expected to continue into 2025.