Sarens Completes High-Risk K101 Installation at Orlen Lietuva Refinery
- Meagan Wood
- Jan 12
- 3 min read
30 Second Takeaway
Sarens has completed its first full-scope heavy lifting and transport project in Lithuania with the successful installation of the 40-metre-high K101 unit at the Orlen Lietuva refinery, demonstrating precision engineering and meticulous execution in a narrow, high-risk operating environment.
Sarens K101 Installation Orlen Lietuva Refinery Lithuania
Sarens has successfully completed the installation of the K101 deep oil refining unit at the Orlen Lietuva refinery in Lithuania, marking the company’s first-ever full-scope heavy lifting and transport operation in the country.
Commissioned by Petrofac, the project required Sarens to deliver an integrated scope covering engineering design, equipment supply, transport, and installation, executed within one of the refinery’s most technically challenging operational zones.
Extreme Constraints Inside an Operating Refinery
The central challenge of the project was the installation of the 40-metre-high, 100-tonne K101 unit in the middle of an active refinery.
The work environment presented exceptional constraints:
Extremely confined spaces, with clearances measured in tens of centimetres
Live equipment operating in close proximity
A high-risk, hazardous atmosphere requiring continuous safety monitoring
Under these conditions, precise engineering and disciplined execution were critical to maintaining safety and schedule.
Engineering-Led Lift Planning
Prior to mobilisation, Sarens engineers developed detailed technical solutions, including drawings, lift studies, and structural calculations.
The LR 1300 crawler crane was selected as the primary lifting unit, supported by a carefully coordinated fleet that included:
SPMTs for transport and positioning
Terex Demag AC 220
Grove GMK5130
Liebherr LTM 1095
The installation sequence involved positioning the K101 unit vertically using the AC 220, followed by a 180-degree rotation executed by the LR1300 while carrying the suspended load above live refinery installations.
At certain points, crane movements were executed with as little as 10 centimetres of clearance from surrounding structures.
Temporary Infrastructure and Safety Controls
To enable the crawler crane to operate safely under load, Sarens constructed a temporary reinforced road designed to support the LR1300 during the lift.
Site preparation extended over more than one week, with safety measures including:
Continuous gas monitoring
Use of specialised protective equipment
Strict compliance and permit controls
More than 20 Sarens professionals, including engineers, riggers, site supervisors, and project management personnel, were directly involved in the operation.
First Full-Scope Project in Lithuania
Artūras Dadurka, key account manager at Sarens, said the project represents a major milestone for the company in the region:
“This was our first-ever full-scope operation in Lithuania involving both a crawler crane and SPMT. The success of such a complex lift in one of the country’s most challenging industrial environments proves that we are ready for larger projects and bigger challenges.”
Supporting Refinery Modernisation
By completing the K101 installation safely and on schedule, Sarens has supported the ongoing modernisation of the Orlen Lietuva refinery, contributing to improved operational efficiency and long-term energy security for the region.
The project sets a new benchmark for engineered heavy lifting in Lithuania, demonstrating Sarens’ ability to combine global expertise with precise local execution in high-risk industrial environments.
About Sarens
Sarens is a global leader in heavy lifting, engineered transport, and project logistics, supporting complex industrial, energy, infrastructure, and petrochemical projects worldwide. Founded in 1955, the family-owned group operates one of the world’s most advanced fleets of cranes and transport systems.
Sarens is recognised for its engineering-led approach, strong safety culture, and capability to execute technically demanding operations in live and high-risk environments.
Website: https://www.sarens.com/
About Orlen Lietuva
Orlen Lietuva is Lithuania’s largest refinery and a key energy infrastructure asset in the Baltic region. The refinery plays a critical role in supplying fuel and energy products to domestic and regional markets and continues to invest in modernisation projects to enhance efficiency, safety, and environmental performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was installed at the Orlen Lietuva refinery?
Sarens installed the K101 deep oil refining unit, measuring approximately 40 metres in height and weighing 100 tonnes.
Why was the project considered high-risk?
The installation took place inside an operating refinery, with extremely limited clearances, live equipment nearby, and strict safety requirements.
Which cranes were used for the installation?
The primary crane was an LR1300 crawler crane, supported by SPMTs, a Terex Demag AC 220, GMK5130, and LTM 1095 cranes.
Why is this project significant for Sarens?
It represents Sarens’ first full-scope heavy lifting and transport project in Lithuania, demonstrating readiness for larger and more complex projects in the region.
