Potain MDT 389 L16 Supports Construction of New Gaslini Hospital in Genoa, Italy
- Meagan Wood
- Dec 2, 2025
- 4 min read
30 Second Takeaway
A Potain MDT 389 L16 tower crane is now operating at the construction site of the new Gaslini Hospital in Genoa, Italy, supporting a major healthcare development scheduled for completion in 2030. The crane is playing a central role in a tightly constrained urban site, enabling complex lifting operations for a multi-phase project led by CMB, one of Potain’s longest-standing partners.
Transforming Pediatric Healthcare in Genoa
The New Gaslini Hospital project represents a landmark investment in pediatric healthcare infrastructure. Once complete, the facility will consolidate services into a state-of-the-art medical and research complex, focused on the treatment of rare conditions affecting children, adolescents and expectant mothers.
The project scope includes:
11 floors dedicated to diagnostics and intensive care
4 floors for inpatient treatment
Renovation and seismic upgrading of existing hospital pavilions
Construction of the new Padiglione Zero and a dedicated Technological Hub
Construction is being delivered by CMB, which has worked with Potain tower cranes for more than 50 years.
Crane Selection for a Constrained Urban Site
To support the demanding lifting requirements, a Potain MDT 389 L16 flat-top tower crane was selected and installed with:
Hook height: 63 metres
Jib length: 65 metres
Maximum lifting capacity: 16 tonnes
The crane is supporting structural works, material handling and phased construction across the site, where space limitations pose a significant logistical challenge.
Complex Phasing and Tight Logistics
According to Andrea Montorio, Jobsite Technical Director at CMB, the project requires careful sequencing:
“The initial phase involved demolishing two existing pavilions to make way for the new Padiglione Zero, which will house a significant portion of the hospital’s core activities. Next, we will build the new Technological Hub behind the existing buildings. In Phase 2, we will restore the original hospital structure, including seismic upgrades.”
With the hospital remaining operational during construction, safety, coordination and spatial efficiency are critical.
Precision Installation and Foundation Optimisation
Installing the MDT 389 L16 required meticulous planning due to the site’s footprint, where 80% of the area is occupied by the building under construction, leaving just 20% available for logistics, machinery and material storage.
Sabino Riefoli, Potain Key Account Manager, explained:
“Installing the MDT 389 L16 required meticulous logistical planning. With 80% of the site occupied by the building under construction, only 20% remains available for operations, including machinery and material storage.”
Originally designed for a ballast-only foundation measuring 10 x 10 metres and 2 metres high, the crane installation was optimised through close collaboration between Potain and structural engineers. The solution reduced the foundation footprint by 50%, allowing the crane to be installed underground and freeing up valuable working space on site.
Multi-Crane Strategy
The MDT 389 L16 operates alongside other Potain cranes deployed by CMB:
A Potain MD 125, on site since February 2025
A Potain MDT 178, scheduled for installation inside the building during later construction phases
This multi-crane strategy ensures coverage across different zones and elevations as the project progresses.
Supporting High-Impact Healthcare Infrastructure
Potain’s involvement in the Gaslini Hospital project highlights the role of modern flat-top tower cranes in delivering complex healthcare infrastructure within dense urban environments. The crane’s flexibility, lifting capacity and compact installation solution are enabling safe, efficient construction on one of Genoa’s most demanding sites.
About CMB
CMB (Cooperativa Muratori e Braccianti di Carpi) is one of Italy’s leading construction companies, with expertise spanning healthcare, infrastructure, commercial and complex urban developments. Founded in 1900, CMB has built a reputation for delivering technically demanding projects that require advanced construction methods, phased execution and close coordination with specialist partners.
The company has worked with Potain tower cranes for over 50 years, relying on their performance and adaptability across constrained sites and large-scale developments.
Visit website: https://www.cmb.coopProjects: https://www.cmb.coop/progetti
About Potain Tower Cranes
Potain, a brand of Manitowoc, is a global leader in tower crane design and manufacturing, offering one of the industry’s most comprehensive ranges of top-slewing, flat-top and self-erecting cranes.
Potain’s MDT flat-top series is specifically engineered for:
High lifting performance in restricted urban environments
Simplified transport and assembly
Compatibility with multi-crane sites
Reduced out-of-service heights and optimised logistics
Backed by Manitowoc’s global service and support network, Potain cranes are widely used on healthcare, infrastructure, residential and commercial projects worldwide.
Visit website: https://www.manitowoc.com/potain
MDT flat-top cranes: https://www.manitowoc.com/potain/tower-cranes/mdt-flat-top-cranes
Frequently Asked Questions
Which crane is being used at the new Gaslini Hospital project?
A Potain MDT 389 L16 flat-top tower crane.
What are the crane’s main specifications?
A 65 m jib, 63 m hook height, and 16 t maximum lifting capacity.
Who is leading construction of the project?
Italian contractor CMB, a long-standing Potain partner.
When will the hospital be completed?
The project is scheduled for completion in 2030.
Why was the crane foundation redesigned?
To reduce the footprint by 50%, freeing up space on a highly constrained site.
