Sarens Delivers Precision Heavy Lifting for Stade de la Meinau Expansion in Strasbourg
30-Second Takeaway
Sarens has successfully completed a complex heavy lifting campaign at Stade de la Meinau in Strasbourg, installing 28 prefabricated steel roof sections for the South Tribune. Using an SL 3800 crawler crane, the team executed lifts of up to 74 tonnes at heights of 30 metres, overcoming tight urban constraints to deliver what is now the longest stadium roof in Europe.
Heavy Lifting Supports Iconic Stadium Expansion
As part of the major expansion of Strasbourg’s Stade de la Meinau, Sarens was contracted to provide specialist heavy lifting services for the installation of 28 prefabricated steel roof modules forming the new South Tribune.
The project was delivered under a consortium comprising GTM Hallé, Urban Dumez, Demathieu Bard, and Blocotelha Steel Constructions. The heaviest roof section weighed 74 tonnes, with lifting operations carried out at heights of up to 30 metres and working radii ranging from 25 to 68 metres.
Local Significance Adds Meaning to the Project
For Sarens, the project carried both professional and personal importance.
“This stadium means a lot to the people of Strasbourg and to me personally,” says Valentin Meyer, Key Account Manager of Sarens Projects and a proud local supporter of RC Strasbourg. “Being part of this was special.”
Equipment and Crane Configuration
To execute the demanding lifts, Sarens deployed its SL 3800 crawler crane in SWSL_1 configuration, equipped with:
48-metre main boom
66-metre luffing jib
The crawler crane’s base allowed repositioning between lifts within the restricted work area, eliminating the need for full crane disassembly between operations and improving overall efficiency.
Planning in a Dense Urban Environment
Located in the dense urban core of Strasbourg, the site presented significant logistical challenges:
Extremely limited assembly and storage space
A restriction allowing only one truck on site at a time
These constraints required careful planning and phased mobilisation. The SL 3800 was transported from a previous Sarens project elsewhere in France, with assembly taking 10 days due to the site’s access limitations.
From Engineering to Execution
The lifting campaign demanded a high level of engineering precision and adaptability. Each of the 28 roof sections featured unique geometries, requiring bespoke rigging solutions for nearly every lift.
A multi-point lifting design was employed, with tackle configurations frequently modified to suit the varying shapes and load paths.
“This was technically intensive,” explains Romain Di Corato, Project Engineer at Sarens. “The tackle design evolved constantly due to the complexity of the geometry.”
Sarens’ engineering team worked closely with the on-site lifting crew to develop custom rigging arrangements and coordinate every phase of execution, ensuring the highest standards of safety, precision, and timing throughout the project.
Successful Outcome and Record-Breaking Result
Despite the technical complexity and dynamic conditions, all roof sections were installed safely and efficiently, culminating in the successful completion of what is now the longest stadium roof in Europe.
“We knew this job would demand absolute precision from engineering to execution, and the team delivered,” said Koen Rooms, Project Manager at Sarens.
Community Engagement at Stade de la Meinau
On Sunday, March 23, the Stade de la Meinau construction site opened its doors for a Family Day, welcoming employees of Demathieu Bard Construction, GTM Hallé, Urban Dumez, Blocotelha Steel Constructions, Lingenheld Groupe, Groupement Elsa, Mersch & Schmitz, Hug Fluides Group, and their families.
More than 1,000 people attended the event, gaining rare access to the heart of the construction works at one of France’s oldest football stadiums.
About Sarens
Sarens is a global leader in heavy lifting, engineered transport, and crane rental services, operating one of the world’s most advanced fleets of crawler cranes, mobile cranes, and transport equipment.
Founded in Belgium in 1956, Sarens supports complex projects across infrastructure, energy, industrial, and civil construction sectors, with a strong emphasis on engineering excellence, safety, and innovation. The company is widely recognised for its ability to deliver lifting solutions in urban, confined, and technically demanding environments, including stadium construction and large-scale public infrastructure.
Website: https://www.sarens.com
About the Project Consortium
The Stade de la Meinau expansion is being delivered by a consortium comprising GTM Hallé, Urban Dumez, Demathieu Bard, and Blocotelha Steel Constructionsall established contractors with extensive experience in large-scale civil engineering, steel construction, and complex public infrastructure projects across France and Europe.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was a crawler crane chosen for this project?
The crawler crane provided stability, high capacity, and the ability to reposition between lifts within a restricted urban site without full disassembly.
What made the lifting operation technically complex?
Each roof section had unique geometry, requiring bespoke rigging solutions and frequent adjustments to multi-point lifting configurations.
How did site restrictions impact planning?
Limited space and a one-truck-at-a-time restriction required phased mobilisation, precise scheduling, and extended crane assembly time.
What was the heaviest lift on the project?
The heaviest roof module weighed 74 tonnes.
Why is this stadium roof significant?
Upon completion, the structure became the longest stadium roof in Europe, marking a major engineering achievement.
