Egypt’s First Potain MCR 295 Cranes Support Maspero Triangle Redevelopment in Cairo
- Meagan Wood
- Nov 28, 2022
- 3 min read
Updated: Jan 2
30 Second Takeaway
In July, Egyptian Potain dealer IDP successfully erected and commissioned the country’s first two Potain MCR 295 luffing jib tower cranes to support Orascom Construction on the redevelopment of the Maspero Triangle district in downtown Cairo. The cranes are playing a key role in one of Egypt’s most high-profile urban regeneration projects, located along the River Nile in a dense and historically significant area of the city.
A Landmark Urban Regeneration Project
The Maspero Triangle redevelopment is one of Cairo’s most ambitious inner-city transformation projects, aimed at modernising a 75-acre site while integrating new commercial, residential and mixed-use developments into the historic urban fabric.
The district occupies a prime location on the banks of the River Nile and is surrounded by some of Cairo’s most prominent landmarks, including:
The Radio and Television Union Maspero building
The Foreign Ministry building
The Dar al-Maarif building
The Italian Consulate
The Ramses Hilton Hotel
This setting places significant constraints on construction logistics, crane positioning and lifting operations, making crane selection critical.
First Potain MCR 295 Cranes in Egypt
To meet the project’s demanding requirements, IDP, Potain’s dealer in Egypt, supplied and commissioned two Potain MCR 295 luffing jib tower cranes—the first of their kind to be installed in the country.
Luffing jib cranes are particularly well suited to dense urban environments, as their variable jib angle allows loads to be lifted and lowered with minimal oversailing, reducing risk to surrounding structures and public areas.
Confidence in Potain Technology
The decision to deploy the MCR 295 reflects Orascom Construction’s confidence in Potain’s performance, reliability and technical innovation.
Hossam Mounir, Equipment Deputy Director at Orascom Construction, said:
“The Potain brand’s reputation for quality and innovative technology gave us the trust and confidence to expand our fleet with the new MCR 295 cranes. We are proud to have the first units in Egypt working on this prestigious project.”
Supporting Complex Inner-City Construction
Operating within downtown Cairo presents challenges including:
Limited space for crane erection and material handling
Proximity to major government buildings and hotels
High public visibility and safety requirements
Coordination with existing traffic and pedestrian flows
The Potain MCR 295 luffing jib cranes are enabling Orascom Construction to manage these constraints while maintaining productivity and safety on site.
Dealer Expertise and Commissioning
IDP’s successful erection and commissioning of the cranes highlights the role of experienced local dealers in deploying advanced tower crane technology. The process required close coordination between IDP’s technical teams, Potain specialists and Orascom Construction’s site management to ensure safe installation and reliable operation from day one.
About Orascom Construction
Orascom Construction is a leading global engineering and construction contractor with operations across the Middle East, Africa, Europe and the Americas. The company delivers large-scale infrastructure, industrial and commercial projects, with particular expertise in complex urban developments and landmark structures.
Visit website:https://www.orascom.com
About IDP (International Development Projects)
IDP is Potain’s authorised dealer in Egypt, providing tower crane sales, rental, installation and technical support services. The company supports major construction projects across the country, supplying advanced lifting solutions tailored to challenging urban and infrastructure environments.
About Potain Tower Cranes
Potain, a brand of Manitowoc, is a global leader in tower crane design and manufacturing, offering a comprehensive range of luffing jib, flat-top and self-erecting cranes. Potain’s MCR luffing jib series is specifically engineered for high-rise and dense urban construction,
combining high lifting capacity with precise load control and minimal oversailing.
Visit website:https://www.manitowoc.com/potain
Frequently Asked Questions
Which cranes were installed at the Maspero Triangle project?
Two Potain MCR 295 luffing jib tower cranes.
Why were luffing jib cranes selected?
They allow safe lifting in dense urban areas by minimising jib oversail and improving control near surrounding buildings.
Who supplied and commissioned the cranes?
Egyptian Potain dealer IDP.
Who is delivering the project?Orascom Construction.
Where is the project located?
In downtown Cairo, along the River Nile.
