Lifting Atlantic Canada’s Energy Future: A.W. Leil Acquires Mega Crane

With one of the most powerful Canadian-owned cranes now in its fleet, A.W. Leil Cranes & Equipment (1986) Limited is ready to meet the heavy-lift demands of Atlantic Canada's clean energy transition.

Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. April 07, 2025 - A.W. Leil Cranes & Equipment (1986) Limited (“A.W. Leil”) has announced the acquisition of one of the most powerful Canadian-owned cranes in the country—an investment that marks a significant leap forward for Atlantic Canada’s renewable energy and heavy infrastructure sectors.

This mega crane, now part of A.W. Leil’s regional fleet, is engineered to handle the most demanding lifts required by modern energy projects. The Liebherr LG1750-SX boasts enhanced reach, capacity, mobility, and safety systems; it’s tailor-made for the installation of next-generation wind turbines, modular energy systems, and major industrial

components. “A.W. Leil has deep roots in Atlantic Canada, and we’ve always taken pride in supporting the region’s growth — including a strong track record on renewable energy projects,” said Ryan Long, President of A.W. Leil.

Supporting the Renewable Energy Shift

Governments across Atlantic Canada are ramping up investments in renewable energy, with projects in onshore and offshore wind, hydrogen, alternative fuels, and energy storage now advancing across the region. The scale of these developments demands advanced lifting infrastructure. With this new crane, A.W. Leil has added a critical component to the region’s ability to advance renewable energy production.

“This latest investment brings world-class lifting power to our doorstep. It means developers can think bigger than ever before, knowing that the capability to support their most ambitious projects now exists right here at home”, said Long.

Technical Power, Local Impact

The crane's capabilities include 850 tons of lifting capacity and a boom reach of up to 172 meters high— making it especially well suited for wind turbine construction. The crane combines a traditional lattice boom with a rubber-tired 8-axle carrier that gives the crane a unique 3m wide footprint when traversing between wind turbines. Compared to

traditional 10-12m wide crawler cranes, the new machine greatly reduces road width requirements for new project sites. This reduction in road width translates to reduced environmental impacts, improved construction schedules, and reduced costs for renewable energy developers.

But it’s not just about the equipment; A.W. Leil is also investing in people. A.W. Leil’s team has grown recently, and the company continues to work with local trade schools and the International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 721 to ensure the next generation of lift professionals is ready to support its growth plans.

“This crane is an investment in our team, and it’s a team that I’m very proud to be part of. We have a very skilled and passionate group, which is a primary reason why we were confident in making this investment”, added Long. “This is about more than just lifting equipment — it’s about lifting the region’s potential. we’re ready for what’s next.”

About A.W. Leil Cranes & Equipment (1986) Limited

Founded in 1956, A.W. Leil Cranes & Equipment has been a trusted name in crane rental, heavy lift, and rigging services for nearly 70 years. Acquired by SeaFort Capital in 2012, the company has four locations in Nova Scotia, and one in New Brunswick. A.W. Leil’s equipment moves across all four Atlantic provinces, serving clients in all

aspects of crane service from residential to heavy industrial sectors. www.awleil.com

About SeaFort Capital

Based in Halifax, Nova Scotia, SeaFort Capital is a private equity firm that invests in lower-mid-market Canadian businesses with EBITDA ranging from $2 million to $15 million. SeaFort is a growth-oriented investor that seeks to establish long-term partnerships to help grow industry-leading Canadian companies. SeaFort targets investments in

the business services, value-added distribution, specialty manufacturing, and health services sectors. SeaFort Capital is investing SeaFort Capital Fund II LP, which currently has committed capital of approximately $189 million.

For more information, please visit www.seafortcapital.com.

For media inquiries, please contact: Ryan Long, President, A.W. Leil Cranes & Equipment (1986) Limited, rlong@awleil.com.