XCMG Unveils First Module of 14,000 Tonne Ring Crane
- Meagan Wood
- Sep 1
- 6 min read
30-Second Takeaway
Chinese construction equipment manufacturer XCMG has completed the first main module of what it describes as the world’s first 14,000 tonne ring crane. Jointly developed with Sinopec Heavy Lifting & Transportation, the system will combine two independently operable 7,000 tonne crane modules. Once integrated, the crane is expected to provide a maximum load moment of 700,000 tonne metres for nuclear power, conventional energy and offshore wind projects.
First 7,000 Tonne Module Enters Testing
XCMG has unveiled the first main unit of a modular ring crane system designed to provide a combined maximum lifting capacity of 14,000 tonnes. The first crane module completed final assembly at XCMG’s manufacturing operation in Xuzhou, China, before being presented during an official introduction ceremony. It will now proceed into testing while production of the second module continues.
Each module is designed to operate independently as a 7,000 tonne ring crane. When connected and synchronized, the two modules will work in tandem to form the complete 14,000 tonne lifting system.
XCMG claims the completed machine will be the largest capacity ring crane yet constructed. That claim cannot be independently assessed until the full crane has been completed and detailed technical data has been released.
Modular Design Provides Independent and Tandem Operation
The crane’s modular design is central to its intended flexibility. Rather than relying on a single crane structure, the system uses two primary crane units capable of operating independently or together. Each module can undertake lifting assignments within its individual capacity before being integrated for projects requiring the full capacity of the tandem system.
Once both modules are completed and connected, XCMG states that the crane will provide:
Maximum lifting capacity: 14,000 tonnes
Individual module capacity: 7,000 tonnes
Maximum load moment: 700,000 tonne metres
Operating configuration: Independent or synchronized tandem lifting
Primary markets: Nuclear power, conventional energy and offshore wind
A maximum load moment of 700,000 tonne metres represents the relationship between the lifted load and its distance from the crane’s center of rotation. The figure does not mean the crane can lift 14,000 tonnes at every working radius.
The actual capacity available during an operation will depend on the final boom configuration, working radius, rigging arrangement and other conditions defined in the manufacturer’s load charts.
Full Technical Specifications Awaited
XCMG has not yet published a complete technical specification for the crane.
Details still awaiting confirmation include:
Main boom lengths and configurations
Luffing jib options
Maximum lifting height
Maximum working radius
Ring diameter
Counterweight configurations
Ground bearing requirements
Transportation and assembly procedures
Individual and tandem load charts
Wind operating limits
Required operating footprint
Without those details, a complete technical comparison with other ultra heavy lift ring cranes is not yet possible. The crane’s stated 14,000 tonne maximum capacity and 700,000 tonne metre load moment should therefore be treated as manufacturer announced performance figures until testing is completed and official load charts are released.
Electric Direct Drive System Powers Crane Functions
The new crane incorporates an electric direct drive system for its hoisting, slewing and related operating functions. The system converts electrical energy directly into mechanical movement, reducing the number of intermediate power transmission components required between the energy source and the crane mechanisms.
XCMG claims the direct drive system can deliver energy savings exceeding 30 percent and improve operating efficiency by approximately 20 percent. The manufacturer said the system is also intended to reduce fuel costs and operational emissions.
These figures remain manufacturer claims, and XCMG has not yet released the testing methodology or operating conditions used to calculate the reported improvements.
Electric drive technology can provide advantages for large ring cranes operating on long duration industrial projects where suitable electrical infrastructure is available. Potential benefits include more precise drive control, reduced local emissions and lower energy consumption across repeated heavy lifting cycles.
Crane Developed With Sinopec Heavy Lifting & Transportation
The 14,000 tonne crane is being jointly developed by XCMG and Sinopec Heavy Lifting & Transportation Co., Ltd.The partnership combines XCMG’s engineering and manufacturing capabilities with Sinopec Heavy Lifting & Transportation’s experience in planning and executing large lifting, transportation and installation projects.
XCMG Chairman Yang Dongsheng said the development establishes an integrated approach covering research and development, manufacturing and field application.
The involvement of a heavy lift contractor during development can provide the manufacturer with operational input relating to crane assembly, lift planning, transportation, site preparation and the practical requirements of major energy projects.
Nuclear Power Is a Primary Target Market
The crane is being developed in response to larger and increasingly modular construction methods used across the energy sector.
In nuclear power construction, major plant components and prefabricated modules can reach extreme weights and dimensions. Increasing crane capacity allows more of those components to be assembled at ground level before being lifted into their final positions.
XCMG claims the new ring crane will be able to handle major equipment and plant modules for two nuclear islands from a single crane position using one boom configuration.
If demonstrated during operation, this capability could reduce the need to relocate or reconfigure the crane between major lifts. It could also limit the number of heavy lift setup areas required across a nuclear construction site.
Actual project capabilities will depend on the final load charts, lifting radius, hook height and site layout.
Conventional Energy and Petrochemical Applications
For conventional energy, refining and petrochemical projects, XCMG expects the crane to lift large process towers, vessels and other major components as complete units.
Lifting larger assemblies can reduce the amount of construction and testing performed at height. It can also limit the need to divide equipment into smaller sections for installation.
XCMG said this approach could reduce risks associated with:
Elevated assembly work
Field welding and component connections
Pressure testing after installation
Multiple crane lifts
Extended installation schedules
The ability to use each 7,000 tonne crane module independently could also allow the equipment to support projects that do not require the complete tandem configuration.
Offshore Wind Capacity Continues to Increase
Offshore wind is another intended application for the new crane.
The offshore wind industry is developing larger turbines with heavier nacelles, generators, towers and foundation components. These increases create demand for cranes offering greater lifting capacity and hook height.
XCMG has not yet disclosed the maximum lifting height or wind turbine size targeted by the new crane. However, the manufacturer said its capacity and lifting height are intended to support the installation of larger offshore wind turbines.
The completed technical specification will be required to determine whether the crane is intended for quayside assembly, component manufacturing facilities, offshore foundation work or other wind energy applications.
Ring Crane Design Supports Heavy Project Lifting
Ring cranes use a circular track or structural ring to support the crane’s revolving upper structure. The ring distributes operating loads across a broad foundation area while allowing the crane to rotate around its lifting position. This configuration is commonly used for extremely heavy lifts at major industrial and energy construction sites.
Large ring cranes are generally assembled at or near the project site from transported structural sections, machinery components, boom sections and counterweight systems.
Their capacity makes it possible to install large modules as complete assemblies, but their size also requires detailed planning for transportation, assembly, ground preparation, operating clearances and dismantling. XCMG has not yet disclosed the assembly schedule or transportation requirements for its new system.
About XCMG
Founded in 1943, Xuzhou Construction Machinery Group, commonly known as XCMG, is a Chinese manufacturer of construction and industrial equipment headquartered in Xuzhou, Jiangsu Province.
The company manufactures equipment across categories including hoisting machinery, earthmoving equipment, mining machinery, roadbuilding equipment, concrete machinery, foundation equipment, aerial work platforms, telehandlers, heavy trucks and port machinery.
XCMG operates manufacturing and research facilities in China and international markets including the United States, Germany, Brazil and India. The company maintains more than 50 overseas branches and subsidiaries, works with more than 300 distributors and sells equipment across more than 190 countries and regions.
Its crane portfolio includes truck cranes, All Terrain cranes, Rough Terrain cranes, crawler cranes, tower cranes and specialized heavy lifting systems.
Company website: www.xcmgglobal.com
About Sinopec Heavy Lifting & Transportation
Sinopec Heavy Lifting & Transportation Co., Ltd. provides heavy lifting, engineered transportation and installation services for major industrial and energy projects.
The company operates within the Sinopec engineering and construction organization and supports projects involving refining, petrochemicals, conventional energy and other large industrial facilities.
Its services cover the planning and execution of heavy equipment transportation, crane lifting, modular installation and other specialized construction activities involving large or complex loads.
The joint crane development gives Sinopec Heavy Lifting & Transportation direct involvement in the design of equipment intended for the types of ultra heavy projects it supports.
Company website: seg-slt.sinopec.com
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the lifting capacity of the new XCMG ring crane?
XCMG states that the completed tandem crane will provide a maximum lifting capacity of 14,000 tonnes.
How is the 14,000 tonne crane configured?
The system consists of two 7,000 tonne crane modules. Each unit can operate independently, or the two can be connected and operated together for higher capacity tandem lifts.
What is the crane’s maximum load moment?
XCMG reports a maximum load moment of 700,000 tonne metres when both modules are integrated.
Has the complete crane been built?
Not yet. The first module has completed final assembly and will enter testing. The second module is still being completed.
Have boom lengths and load charts been released?
No. XCMG has not yet published detailed boom configurations, lifting heights, working radii or load charts.
What type of drive system does the crane use?
The crane uses an electric direct drive system for functions including hoisting and slewing.
What projects is the crane designed to support?
The crane is intended for nuclear power, conventional energy, petrochemical and offshore wind projects involving extremely large modules, vessels, towers and other components.
