BMS Heavy Cranes Invests in 3,000-Tonne Huisman Ring Crane for Next-Generation Wind Turbine Erection

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European wind turbine erection specialist BMS Heavy Cranes has invested in a 3,000-tonne fully electric ring crane from Huisman, targeting the next generation of large offshore and onshore wind turbines. The crane is designed to lift components weighing up to 1,200 tonnes to heights of 225 metres, with heavier lifts of up to 3,000 tonnes at reduced heights, supporting future turbine installation requirements.

3,000-tonne ring crane expands BMS heavy lift capability

BMS Heavy Cranes, a Europe-based specialist in wind turbine erection, has made a major fleet investment with the purchase of a 3,000-tonne Huisman ring crane. The new crane is intended to support the installation of next-generation wind turbines, which feature increasing component weights and hub heights.

The ring crane will complement BMS’s existing heavy lift fleet, extending lifting capability beyond the limits of conventional crawler cranes and mobile cranes.

Fully electric crane designed for future wind turbines

The new Huisman ring crane will be fully electric, supporting low-emission and zero-emission lifting operations in ports and construction environments. According to the project specifications, the crane will be capable of:

• Lifting components weighing up to 1,200 tonnes to heights of 225 metres

• Handling loads of up to 3,000 tonnes at reduced hook heights

These capabilities align with the requirements of future large-scale wind turbines, where nacelles, hubs, and tower sections continue to increase in size and weight.

Ring crane advantages for ports and wind installation sites

Ring crane configurations offer several operational advantages compared to traditional heavy lifting equipment. One key benefit is reduced ground bearing pressure, making ring cranes particularly suitable for quayside and port environments where ground loading is a critical constraint.

In addition, ring cranes can typically operate in higher wind speeds than crawler or mobile cranes, improving weather tolerance and increasing available lifting windows on wind installation projects.

Huisman to design and build the ring crane

Huisman will be responsible for the design and construction of the ring crane. The crane is scheduled for delivery to BMS Heavy Cranes in the second half of 2023.

Once delivered, the crane is expected to play a key role in supporting future wind turbine installation projects, particularly those involving ultra-large components and high hub heights.

About BMS Heavy Cranes

BMS Heavy Cranes specialises in heavy lifting and wind turbine erection across Europe. The company supports complex onshore and offshore wind projects, providing crane solutions for turbine installation, major component replacement, and large-scale infrastructure works.

BMS’s fleet strategy focuses on high-capacity lifting systems designed to meet the evolving demands of modern wind energy projects.

About Huisman

Huisman designs and manufactures heavy lifting, transport, and installation equipment for the energy, offshore, and renewables sectors. The company is known for developing high-capacity cranes and engineered solutions supporting offshore wind, oil and gas, and heavy industrial construction projects.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the lifting capacity of the new Huisman ring crane?

The crane can lift up to 3,000 tonnes at reduced heights and 1,200 tonnes to heights of 225 metres.

Why did BMS Heavy Cranes invest in a ring crane?

Ring cranes offer higher lifting capacity, reduced ground bearing pressure, and improved wind tolerance compared to conventional cranes.

What makes the crane fully electric?

The crane is powered entirely by electric drive systems, enabling low- or zero-emission lifting operations.

Where will the crane be used?

The crane is intended for wind turbine erection projects, particularly in port and quayside environments.

Who is building the ring crane?

The crane is being designed and built by Huisman.