In a show of massive mobilisation of both human and material resources, Sarens, the global leader and reference in crane rental, heavy lifting, and engineered transport, has been supporting INEOS Project One in Antwerp since July 2023. This groundbreaking initiative aims to construct a state-of-the-art facility in the port of Antwerp, Belgium, and is set to have a positive impact on both the local and European economies. Sarens is responsible for the transportation and lifting operations for this project, including road and marine transport, modular assembly, and precise installations. Our role also involves planning, coordinating, and executing all transport and heavy lifting activities. 

Scope

In one of the projects phases, we executed one of Belgium’s largest-ever moves: the load-in and transport of furnace modules exceeding a height of 60 metres and weighing up to 7.700T with our Self-Propelled Modular Trailers (SPMTs). Additionally, part of the project’s scope is for Sarens to manoeuvre a colossal 100-metre-long, 800-tons C3 structure using our new mighty LR 12500-1.0 crane, “Strong Sofie”. The project entails additional aspects in its initial phases such as the transportation of numerous bullets and the involvement in later phases of specialised vessels, including our Louis-type and Tom & Wim barges, to facilitate marine transport of heavy industrial components. The LR 12500-1.0 crane, will be working alongside other iconic cranes from our fleet such as the LR 1750, LR 11000, CC 3800, CC 2800, and CC 2500. A total of 88 cranes will be mobilised during this project and an astounding 400-SPMT axle lines will be set in motion. 

The Sarens Team

In terms of mobilising human resources for the project, Sarens accomplished a remarkable achievement. We successfully recruited or reassigned 300 expert professionals to support this mega-scale project. These efforts have been crucial in securing the necessary workforce to ensure the successful progress of this large and complex project. To address the accommodation challenge for the recruited personnel, Sarens acquired an old hotel in Zandvliet and fully renovate it. With Facility Management in full swing, Sarens managed the renovation, and after months of effort, the hotel was completed at the beginning of 2024, ready for the first employees to move in.

Challenges? Tackled.

Large-scale projects bring unique challenges, and INEOS Project ONE has been no exception. So far, Sarens has tackled these with innovation and precision. Belgium experienced its wettest year on record in 2024, impacting road conditions and crane mobilisation. Despite weather not permitting, Sarens adjusted schedules and used advanced planning tools to maintain progress. To tackle the regional shortage of skilled operators and bring the project to life, Sarens recruited talent from across Europe, bringing together 300 strong from an astonishing 28 different nationalities. Moreover, we invested in long-term housing options, by acquiring and renovating a hotel as well as renting apartments and bungalows, to ensure the stability and well-being of our workforce. Equipment was sourced from multiple our international hubs, with cranes like the LR 12500-1.0 transported directly from the Liebherr factory in Germany. Last, but certainly not least, a project of this scale has several EPCM contractors with multiple contractors and subcontractors working on a small footprint, which requires coordination with many parties involved that we successfully managed. 

Forward-Thinking Strategies 

To guarantee efficient execution, Sarens implemented several forward-thinking strategies. For instance, advanced systems provided live updates on equipment movement and operational progress. In addition, the expertise of Sarens engineers from South Korea, along with resources from hubs across Belgium, the Netherlands, Poland, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic, enhanced operational precision.

In a project that will not only provide economic benefits but also adhere to high environmental standards, utilising the most advanced technologies to minimise emissions and maximise energy efficiency, INEOS Project One is an important step forward in the sustainable development of the industry. For Sarens, this project underscores our ability to deliver large-scale solutions that shape the future of global industry. With operations continuing into 2025, we remain committed to excellence, ensuring that INEOS Project ONE is not only completed successfully but also stands as a symbol of world-class engineering and partnership.