Sarens Safely Replaces 165-Tonne ACC Unit at Arabian Cement Factory

Meagan Wood
Jan 13
3 min read

30 Second Takeaway

Sarens in Egypt has executed a complex heavy lift at the Arabian Cement Factory, replacing a 165-tonne ACC unit using a CC4800 crawler crane in a confined operating environment, ensuring continued plant operations and long-term reliability.

Sarens 165-Tonne ACC Replacement Arabian Cement Factory

Sarens in Egypt has successfully carried out the replacement of a 165-tonne ACC (Air-Cooled Condenser) unit at the Arabian Cement Factory in Ain El Sokhna, supporting the continued and uninterrupted operation of the production facility.

The project was undertaken as the existing ACC unit approached the end of its service life, requiring a carefully planned intervention to avoid disruption to factory output.

Engineering-Led Planning in a Confined Site

During the planning phase, Sarens engineers placed particular emphasis on crane positioning, lift radius, and timing, due to the tight space constraints at the factory site.

To meet the technical requirements, Sarens deployed its CC4800 crawler crane in SSL/LSL configuration with a 90-metre boom, selected for its ability to deliver the necessary capacity at the required working radius.

The crane was transported from the Sarens yard over the course of one week, followed by seven days of on-site assembly. Despite limited manoeuvring space, the crane performed as planned throughout the operation.

Executing the Lift

The scope of work included two critical lifts:

Removal of the existing ACC unit
Installation of the new ACC unit

Each component weighed approximately 165 tonnes and had to be lifted at a 50-metre radius to a height of 32 metres. The restricted crane position increased the technical complexity of the manoeuvre, demanding precise coordination and disciplined execution.

A dedicated team of five Sarens specialists worked closely with the client’s personnel, completing the operation safely over a ten-day period on site.

Turnkey Heavy Lifting Solution

Sarens said the project demonstrates its ability to deliver turnkey heavy lifting solutions in challenging industrial environments, combining:

Engineering and lift planning
Equipment selection and logistics
On-site lifting execution

The integrated approach ensured the ACC replacement was completed safely, efficiently, and on schedule.

Essam Adel, country manager and sales manager at Sarens Egypt, said:

“Sarens had the right capacity and qualifications to meet the factory’s demands, and the team executed the job flawlessly.”

Supporting Reliable Industrial Operations

By completing the replacement safely and without operational disruption, Sarens has supported the long-term reliability of the Arabian Cement Factory’s production process.

The project reinforces Sarens in Egypt’s position as a trusted partner for engineered heavy lifting and transport solutions, capable of delivering complex operations under tight site constraints.

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 equipment.

Sarens is recognised for its engineering-driven approach, strong safety culture, and ability to execute high-risk operations in confined and live industrial environments.

Website: https://www.sarens.com/

About Arabian Cement Factory

The Arabian Cement Factory, located in Ain El Sokhna, Egypt, is a major cement production facility serving domestic and regional markets. The plant plays a key role in Egypt’s construction supply chain and continues to invest in asset upgrades to ensure safe, reliable, and efficient operations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What equipment was replaced at the Arabian Cement Factory?

Sarens replaced an ageing 165-tonne ACC (Air-Cooled Condenser) unit with a new unit.

Which crane was used for the operation?

A CC4800 crawler crane in SSL/LSL configuration with a 90-metre boom was used.

Why was the operation technically challenging?

The lift was executed in a confined site with limited crane positioning options, requiring lifts at a 50-metre radius to a height of 32 metres.