Core Services

Sarens provides a range of core services centered on crane rental, heavy lifting, and engineered transport, designed to support complex projects across construction, energy, and industrial sectors. These services are integrated to deliver end-to-end solutions for clients, ensuring efficient handling of loads from small-scale operations to mega-lifts exceeding thousands of tonnes. By combining specialized equipment with expert planning, Sarens addresses the unique demands of industries such as renewables, nuclear, and oil & gas, where precision and reliability are paramount.[19]

Crane rental forms a foundational service, offering mobile and crawler cranes suitable for diverse applications in building infrastructure, erecting wind turbines, and maintaining industrial facilities. Rentals are available with or without operators, accommodating short-term needs or extended contracts, and include comprehensive maintenance and certification to ensure operational readiness. This service caters to capacities ranging from standard lifts to those requiring mega-scale equipment, enabling safe and efficient execution in challenging environments.[19]

Heavy lifting solutions employ advanced techniques such as hydraulic gantries, strand jacks, and skidding systems to manage exceptionally large and heavy loads that exceed conventional crane capabilities. These methods are particularly vital for installing massive components in power plants or relocating industrial machinery, providing controlled and precise movement to minimize risks and downtime. Sarens' expertise in these areas supports projects where loads can reach several thousand tonnes, integrating seamlessly with other services for optimal results.[19]

Engineered transport services facilitate the movement of oversized and overweight cargo using specialized systems like self-propelled modular transporters (SPMTs), heavy-duty trailers, and barges for both land and water-based logistics. This capability is essential for delivering components to remote or constrained sites, such as offshore installations or urban construction zones, ensuring timely and secure transit across global distances. By engineering routes and configurations tailored to project specifications, Sarens mitigates logistical challenges inherent in transporting bulky items.[19]

Complementing these offerings, Sarens delivers integrated project management that encompasses engineering analysis, rigging design, and safety planning to create cohesive solutions for client needs. Engineering involves detailed structural calculations and custom designs validated through proprietary software, while rigging services produce operational simulations from 2D drawings to 3D animations for lifts and transports. Safety planning adheres to rigorous standards in health, environment, and quality (SHEQ), with oversight from senior personnel to safeguard all project phases. These elements are customized for megaprojects, including wind farm installations that require precise turbine placements and bridge constructions demanding synchronized heavy lifts and transports.[20]

Global Operations

Sarens maintains its global headquarters in Wolvertem, Belgium, overseeing a network of over 100 locations and business units across more than 70 countries on six continents.[3] This extensive footprint enables the company to support operations in Europe, the Americas, Asia, Africa, and Oceania, with a workforce exceeding 5,000 employees dedicated to heavy lifting and transport projects worldwide.[2] The structure facilitates seamless cross-border collaboration, allowing for efficient resource allocation and project execution in diverse markets. In 2025, Sarens expanded its presence with new operations in Taiwan and the establishment of entities in Hong Kong, Indonesia, Colombia, and Guinea, further strengthening its footprint in Asia and Africa.[21][22]

To adapt to regional demands, Sarens deploys specialized teams tailored to local industries, such as those focused on energy sector initiatives in North America, including offshore wind and oil projects, and infrastructure developments in Asia, particularly in Southeast Asia's growing construction and renewable energy landscapes.[22] In North America, regional directors oversee integrated operations that emphasize rapid response to energy demands, while Asian teams prioritize infrastructure scalability amid rapid urbanization.[23] These adaptations ensure compliance with local regulations and optimization for sector-specific challenges, enhancing project delivery efficiency.

Sarens' logistics network underpins its global reach, featuring strategic maintenance hubs and supply chains for swift equipment deployment to project sites. Key facilities, such as the Dunkerque hub in Europe for crane servicing and the planned heavy lift operations and maintenance hub at ABP's Port Talbot in Wales, support equipment readiness and spare parts logistics across continents.[24][25] This infrastructure enables the mobilization of specialized rigging and transport assets within days, minimizing downtime for international clients.

As a market leader in the heavy lift sector, Sarens reported a turnover of 853.3 million EUR in 2024, reflecting a 5.6% increase from 808.4 million EUR in 2023, driven by high project volumes in energy and infrastructure globally.[26] Annual reports underscore the company's dominance through diversified revenue streams and operational scale, positioning it as a key partner for megaprojects worldwide.[22]

General Crane Fleet

Sarens maintains a global fleet of approximately 1,655 units dedicated to standard lifting operations in construction, industrial, and infrastructure projects.[22] This inventory encompasses a diverse array of crane types, including telescopic mobile cranes for versatile on-road mobility, all-terrain cranes suited for mixed site conditions, rough-terrain models for off-road access, lattice boom crawler cranes for heavy-duty stability, and tower cranes for high-rise applications.[5][27] These cranes support routine heavy lifting tasks, such as equipment installation and structural assembly, across various industries.

The fleet's capacity spans from small 12-tonne units ideal for confined spaces to substantial 1,600-tonne models capable of handling large-scale components in general construction environments.[23] Representative examples include rough-terrain cranes starting at around 10 tonnes for agile site maneuvers and all-terrain variants up to 1,200 tonnes for demanding lifts with extended reach.[27] Crawler cranes in the lineup, such as Demag CC 8800-1 models, provide up to 1,600 tonnes of lifting power with configurations for booms exceeding 100 meters.[28]

Key manufacturers supplying the fleet include Demag and Liebherr, known for robust engineering in mobile and crawler designs.[29] Sarens has integrated units like Demag AC series all-terrain cranes ranging from 55 to 250 tonnes and Liebherr LTM 1450 models for enhanced load capacities.[29] Additional suppliers such as Tadano, Grove, and Sany contribute to the mix, ensuring a balanced selection of hydraulic and lattice boom options.[30][31][32]

To promote sustainability, the fleet incorporates electric-powered and hybrid variants, including ePack systems that enable emission-free operation on select mobile cranes like Tadano AC 3.055-1 and AC 4.080-1 models.[30] These features reduce fuel consumption and noise, aligning with environmental goals in urban and sensitive sites.[33]

Maintenance practices emphasize proactive refurbishment and upgrades to enhance efficiency and safety, with dedicated services for mechanical overhauls and component replacements across the fleet.[22] Modernization efforts include retrofitting for electrical compatibility and integrating advanced monitoring systems to extend equipment lifespan.[34]

Deployment occurs through flexible rental models, offering short- or long-term contracts with or without operators, tailored to project needs and ensuring high availability for global operations.[19] This approach supports efficient utilization, with cranes frequently mobilized for infrastructure and energy sector demands.[35]

Specialized Transport and Lifting Equipment

Sarens maintains a extensive fleet of self-propelled modular transporters (SPMTs) and conventional trailers designed for heavy-load transport across land, capable of handling configurations up to approximately 20,000 tonnes through modular coupling. The SPMT fleet comprises over 2,500 axle lines as of 2024, with expansions including over 100 additional Cometto axle lines in 2025.[22][36] SPMTs, such as Kamag and Goldhofer models with 4- or 6-axle lines, offer capacities of 36 to 48 tonnes per axle line and feature advanced maneuvering technologies including circle drives around the trailer center and crab steering for precise navigation in tight spaces.[37] These systems also incorporate ballasting capabilities with a lifting height of about 500 mm, enabling adaptation to uneven terrain during the transport of civil constructions, petrochemical components, and oversized modules from factories to installation sites.[37] Conventional trailers complement SPMTs for road-legal hauls, including specialized variants like the K25 with extended axle spacings for North American routes.[38]

Hydraulic gantries and jacks provide supplementary vertical lifting solutions for scenarios where cranes are impractical, particularly in confined spaces with load capacities reaching up to 1,000 tonnes per unit in configured systems. Gantries, often paired with strand jacks, support lifts such as 12,000-tonne oil rig topsides or 6,000-tonne shipyard modules, utilizing climbing or jacking mechanisms with external bracing for stability at heights up to 24 meters.[39] Jacking systems include in-house designs like the climbing jack, which achieves a maximum height of 9 meters with semi-automatic operation, and the Perpetuum jack, offering 250 tonnes per position from a minimum height of 450 mm for easy assembly in restricted areas.[40] These tools facilitate precise vertical movements in industrial settings, such as module installations or bridge placements.

Skidding and jacking systems enable horizontal and vertical relocations of heavy industrial equipment, with skidding operations documented up to 18,000 tonnes using greased skid tracks layered with Teflon for low-friction sliding. A skid shoe is mounted between the load and track, pulled by specialized push-pull mechanisms or integrated with strand jacks for applications like offshore jacket load-outs and factory-to-site transfers.[41] Jacking complements skidding in these systems, allowing synchronized lifts and shifts through custom-engineered setups that incorporate planning software for load distribution and path optimization, ensuring safe industrial relocations without full disassembly.[40]

For waterway-based projects, Sarens deploys a fleet of barges equipped with mooring winches, ballast systems, anchors, and linkspan bridges to support transport and lifting over inland and marine routes, particularly in offshore wind developments, including 4 barges, 6 twin barges, and 90 modular barges as of 2024.[22] These vessels handle load-ins and load-outs of components like monopiles and transition pieces, as seen in the St. Nazaire and Fécamp wind farms, where they facilitated the movement of gravity-based structures weighing thousands of tonnes.[42] In-house engineering ensures barge stability during operations involving up to 176 monopiles for U.S. projects.[43]

Rigging accessories form a critical component of Sarens' transport and lifting toolkit, including slings and grommets configured for multi-point lifting tackles, such as four-point setups with hooks or equalizers to distribute loads evenly. Shackles—available in standard, wide-body, and heavy-duty variants—secure connections, while custom spreader beams are engineered for specific load geometries to minimize sling angles and enhance stability during supplementary lifts.[44] These items integrate briefly with broader crane services to complete engineered transport solutions.[19]

Development of Giant Crane Technology

Sarens initiated the in-house development of its Sarens Giant Crane (SGC) series in the 2010s, leveraging ring-lift technology to handle ultra-heavy loads beyond the capabilities of conventional mobile cranes.[45] This approach positions the crane's upper structure on a circular ring track, enabling 360-degree slewing and enhanced stability for lifts exceeding thousands of tons, as demonstrated in the inaugural SGC-120 model introduced in 2018.[46] The design process emphasized modularity, allowing components to be scaled and configured for diverse project demands while maintaining structural integrity under extreme conditions.[45]

To ensure safety and interoperability, the SGC series adheres to European standards EN 13000 for mobile cranes and EN 13001 for general crane design, with components tested at 125% of rated loads for both dynamic and static scenarios.[47] This compliance facilitates modular assembly and disassembly, incorporating fail-safe systems like safety PLCs and high-quality components to mitigate risks in high-stakes operations.[47] By aligning with these norms, Sarens' engineers integrated advanced control systems that monitor load distribution and prevent overloads, enhancing overall reliability without compromising lifting performance.[46]

A pivotal evolution in the SGC lineup occurred in the 2020s with the adoption of electric and hybrid powertrains, aimed at minimizing emissions and operational noise, beginning with the SGC-90 launched in 2020.[48] This fully electric model connects to the national grid, regenerating excess energy during load lowering to achieve up to 40% reduction in consumption, eliminating exhaust emissions and hydraulic oil risks.[49] Subsequent models, such as the SGC-170 introduced in 2025, extended this hybrid capability, combining battery storage with grid power for sustainable heavy lifting in environmentally sensitive sites.[50]

The SGC designs incorporate containerizable modularity, enabling transport via standard 40-foot containers—up to 160 for larger units like the SGC-120—to streamline global deployment and cut on-site assembly from months to weeks.[51] This feature reduces logistical complexities, as components arrive pre-assembled where possible, allowing crews to focus on ring installation and final integration rather than extensive fabrication.[45]

Sarens has committed substantial R&D investments to the SGC program, including in-house engineering for load moment calculations and stability simulations to optimize performance under variable conditions.[52] These efforts involve proprietary software for dynamic modeling, ensuring precise predictions of crane behavior during lifts, and occasional collaborations with specialized firms for validation of complex simulations.[20] Such advancements have positioned the SGC series as a benchmark for ultra-heavy lifting innovation, with ongoing investments supporting fleet expansions like the design and production of the fifth unit.[22]

Notable Giant Cranes

Sarens' Super Giant Crane (SGC) series represents the pinnacle of heavy-lifting technology, with several models achieving record capacities and enabling unprecedented infrastructure feats. The flagship SGC-250, known as "Big Carl," boasts a 250,000 tonne-metre load moment and a maximum lifting capacity of 5,000 tonnes, making it the world's largest land-based crane.[53][54] Launched in 2018, it features a modular ring design with a 118-160 metre main boom, a 100-metre jib, and a maximum height of 250 metres, allowing lifts at radii up to 275 metres.[53][55] Its debut project was the Hinkley Point C nuclear power station in the UK, where it has performed numerous lifts, including installing a 245-tonne reactor dome in 2025 and a polar crane within the reactor building.[56][57]

Following closely, the SGC-170, unveiled in July 2025, offers a 170,000 tonne-metre load moment and 3,200-tonne lifting capacity, positioning it as the second-most powerful in the fleet.[58][50] As an all-electric model, it emphasizes sustainability with grid connectivity and regenerative braking to recover energy during load lowering, reducing emissions on sensitive sites.[59] Named "Big Matthias" after R&D Manager Matthias Sarens during its christening in September 2025, it builds on the series' modular transport system, where components are shipped via self-propelled modular transporters (SPMTs) and assembled on-site for efficient deployment.[18][46]

The SGC-120 and SGC-140 models, introduced in the 2010s, provide versatile capacities of 120,000 to 140,000 tonne-metres, supporting a range of megaprojects.[60][61] The SGC-120, nicknamed "Big Benny," has been instrumental in nuclear installations, such as lifting reactor vessels at the HPCL refinery in India and executing engineered lifts at the Browns Ferry Nuclear Plant in the US.[62][63] Meanwhile, the SGC-140 has facilitated bridge installations and petrochemical upgrades, including brownfield replacements and greenfield constructions, thanks to its adaptable boom and jib configurations.[64][61] Both models incorporate transport modularity, with disassembled parts moved by SPMTs to minimize road impact and enable rapid setup.[65]

Rounding out the electric innovations, the SGC-90, dubbed "Little Celeste," delivers a 90,000 tonne-metre capacity as Sarens' first fully electric ring crane, launched in 2020.[48][66] Named after the granddaughter of founder Frantz Sarens, it connects directly to the power grid for zero-emission operation and regenerates electricity during descent, feeding surplus back to the site.[48][67] Designed for the energy transition, it has supported offshore wind projects like Taiwan's Greater Changhua windfarm, lifting turbine components while minimizing environmental impact.[68][69] Its modular design allows transport in sections, facilitating use in urban or ecologically sensitive areas.[70]

These SGC models have collectively enabled record-breaking lifts, such as reactor dome placements at Hinkley Point C and heavy vessel installations in refineries, showcasing Sarens' expertise in modular transport and assembly for global megaprojects.[57][62]

Leadership and Family Involvement

The Sarens company traces its roots to the 1920s, when the family operated a forestry business using horse-drawn carts for tree transport in Belgium, evolving into the formal establishment of Sarens in 1955 by founder Frans Sarens.[71][72] Over four generations of the Sarens family have been deeply involved in the business, with the third generation—including Hendrik, Benny, Jan, Marc, and Ludo Sarens—taking leadership roles by 2005 to guide international expansion.[73][74] The fourth generation now plays a prominent role, exemplified by CEO Wim Sarens, who assumed leadership in 2010 and represents the family's continued commitment to operational oversight.[75] Seven fourth-generation family members remain active in key positions, including board members such as Jan L. Sarens, Carl Sarens, Stijn Sarens, and Sofie Sarens.[76][22]

In April 2023, the Sarens family reacquired full ownership of the company, purchasing the stake held by Begoos (part of Group Luc Tack) that had been acquired in 2021, thereby restoring 100% family control and eliminating external board mandates.[77] This move underscores the family's strategic emphasis on independence, allowing unhindered pursuit of long-term goals aligned with their core values of innovation, safety, and engineering excellence.[78] These values, instilled across generations, have shaped company strategy, prioritizing safety through rigorous training and innovative equipment design, as well as excellence in heavy-lift solutions.[79][80] Family members in executive roles actively contribute to embedding these principles, fostering a culture where safety is paramount and innovation drives competitive advantage.[81]

The family's multi-generational involvement facilitates structured succession planning, with younger members gaining hands-on experience in global operations to ensure continuity.[82] This approach has directly influenced pivotal decisions, such as substantial investments in giant crane technology, including the development and ownership of the SGC-120, SGC-140, SGC-90, and the recently christened SGC-170 "Big Matthias"—named after fourth-generation R&D manager Matthias Sarens for his contributions to the crane family.[1][83][84] These initiatives reflect the family's vision for pioneering containerizable heavy-lift capabilities, reinforcing Sarens' position as a global leader.[73]

Governance and Sustainability

Sarens maintains a comprehensive corporate governance framework that emphasizes ethical standards and compliance across its global operations. The company's Code of Conduct, applicable to all subsidiaries and employees worldwide, prohibits corruption, fraud, and bribery while promoting transparency through whistleblower channels and ethical business practices.[85] It also underscores commitments to human rights, including prohibitions on forced, compulsory, or child labor, and fosters diversity and equal opportunity by non-discrimination based on age, race, gender, or other factors.[86] Annual reporting practices, such as the 2024 Annual Report, detail governance principles including quarterly Board of Directors meetings and oversight by committees like the Audit and Nomination and Remuneration Committees to ensure financial controls and compliance.[22] Risk management frameworks address international operational challenges, including compliance with global trade laws, economic boycotts, and cybersecurity measures like secure access service edge (SASE) networks.[22]

In sustainability, Sarens has achieved recognition through the EcoVadis assessment, earning a Bronze Medal with a score of 61 out of 100 in 2025, placing it in the 69th percentile and highlighting strengths in labor rights, human rights, and environmental impact.[86] The company integrates these priorities into its ESG strategy, outlined in annual SHEQ and ESG reports from 2023 to 2025, which track progress on reducing environmental footprints.[87] Key initiatives include installing over 3,000 solar panels at its Belgian headquarters and additional photovoltaic systems, such as 200 panels at the Dunkerque depot generating 90,000 kWh annually and 50 kWp in Poland.[86] For fleet transitions, Sarens is shifting toward electrification, with over 100 electric charging stations installed, research into electric self-propelled modular transporter (SPMT) power packs, and adoption of hybrid and electric vehicles to lower emissions.[87]

Carbon reduction targets feature prominently in these reports, with efforts like fleet CO2 monitoring via black box technology, development of a CO2 prediction tool, and upgrades to low-emission equipment such as EURO 6-compliant trucks and over 80 all-terrain cranes meeting EUROMOT Stage V standards.[33] From 2023 to 2025, Sarens has reported progressive improvements, including replacing 36 cranes with cleaner technologies in 2023 and investing €30 million in sustainable equipment by 2025, aligning with broader goals for energy efficiency and waste minimization across facilities.[22] These measures support the company's preparation for the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), with full compliance targeted for 2026.[33]

Core Services

Sarens provides a range of core services centered on crane rental, heavy lifting, and engineered transport, designed to support complex projects across construction, energy, and industrial sectors. These services are integrated to deliver end-to-end solutions for clients, ensuring efficient handling of loads from small-scale operations to mega-lifts exceeding thousands of tonnes. By combining specialized equipment with expert planning, Sarens addresses the unique demands of industries such as renewables, nuclear, and oil & gas, where precision and reliability are paramount.[19]

Crane rental forms a foundational service, offering mobile and crawler cranes suitable for diverse applications in building infrastructure, erecting wind turbines, and maintaining industrial facilities. Rentals are available with or without operators, accommodating short-term needs or extended contracts, and include comprehensive maintenance and certification to ensure operational readiness. This service caters to capacities ranging from standard lifts to those requiring mega-scale equipment, enabling safe and efficient execution in challenging environments.[19]

Heavy lifting solutions employ advanced techniques such as hydraulic gantries, strand jacks, and skidding systems to manage exceptionally large and heavy loads that exceed conventional crane capabilities. These methods are particularly vital for installing massive components in power plants or relocating industrial machinery, providing controlled and precise movement to minimize risks and downtime. Sarens' expertise in these areas supports projects where loads can reach several thousand tonnes, integrating seamlessly with other services for optimal results.[19]

Engineered transport services facilitate the movement of oversized and overweight cargo using specialized systems like self-propelled modular transporters (SPMTs), heavy-duty trailers, and barges for both land and water-based logistics. This capability is essential for delivering components to remote or constrained sites, such as offshore installations or urban construction zones, ensuring timely and secure transit across global distances. By engineering routes and configurations tailored to project specifications, Sarens mitigates logistical challenges inherent in transporting bulky items.[19]

Complementing these offerings, Sarens delivers integrated project management that encompasses engineering analysis, rigging design, and safety planning to create cohesive solutions for client needs. Engineering involves detailed structural calculations and custom designs validated through proprietary software, while rigging services produce operational simulations from 2D drawings to 3D animations for lifts and transports. Safety planning adheres to rigorous standards in health, environment, and quality (SHEQ), with oversight from senior personnel to safeguard all project phases. These elements are customized for megaprojects, including wind farm installations that require precise turbine placements and bridge constructions demanding synchronized heavy lifts and transports.[20]

Global Operations

Sarens maintains its global headquarters in Wolvertem, Belgium, overseeing a network of over 100 locations and business units across more than 70 countries on six continents.[3] This extensive footprint enables the company to support operations in Europe, the Americas, Asia, Africa, and Oceania, with a workforce exceeding 5,000 employees dedicated to heavy lifting and transport projects worldwide.[2] The structure facilitates seamless cross-border collaboration, allowing for efficient resource allocation and project execution in diverse markets. In 2025, Sarens expanded its presence with new operations in Taiwan and the establishment of entities in Hong Kong, Indonesia, Colombia, and Guinea, further strengthening its footprint in Asia and Africa.[21][22]

To adapt to regional demands, Sarens deploys specialized teams tailored to local industries, such as those focused on energy sector initiatives in North America, including offshore wind and oil projects, and infrastructure developments in Asia, particularly in Southeast Asia's growing construction and renewable energy landscapes.[22] In North America, regional directors oversee integrated operations that emphasize rapid response to energy demands, while Asian teams prioritize infrastructure scalability amid rapid urbanization.[23] These adaptations ensure compliance with local regulations and optimization for sector-specific challenges, enhancing project delivery efficiency.

Sarens' logistics network underpins its global reach, featuring strategic maintenance hubs and supply chains for swift equipment deployment to project sites. Key facilities, such as the Dunkerque hub in Europe for crane servicing and the planned heavy lift operations and maintenance hub at ABP's Port Talbot in Wales, support equipment readiness and spare parts logistics across continents.[24][25] This infrastructure enables the mobilization of specialized rigging and transport assets within days, minimizing downtime for international clients.

As a market leader in the heavy lift sector, Sarens reported a turnover of 853.3 million EUR in 2024, reflecting a 5.6% increase from 808.4 million EUR in 2023, driven by high project volumes in energy and infrastructure globally.[26] Annual reports underscore the company's dominance through diversified revenue streams and operational scale, positioning it as a key partner for megaprojects worldwide.[22]

General Crane Fleet

Sarens maintains a global fleet of approximately 1,655 units dedicated to standard lifting operations in construction, industrial, and infrastructure projects.[22] This inventory encompasses a diverse array of crane types, including telescopic mobile cranes for versatile on-road mobility, all-terrain cranes suited for mixed site conditions, rough-terrain models for off-road access, lattice boom crawler cranes for heavy-duty stability, and tower cranes for high-rise applications.[5][27] These cranes support routine heavy lifting tasks, such as equipment installation and structural assembly, across various industries.

The fleet's capacity spans from small 12-tonne units ideal for confined spaces to substantial 1,600-tonne models capable of handling large-scale components in general construction environments.[23] Representative examples include rough-terrain cranes starting at around 10 tonnes for agile site maneuvers and all-terrain variants up to 1,200 tonnes for demanding lifts with extended reach.[27] Crawler cranes in the lineup, such as Demag CC 8800-1 models, provide up to 1,600 tonnes of lifting power with configurations for booms exceeding 100 meters.[28]

Key manufacturers supplying the fleet include Demag and Liebherr, known for robust engineering in mobile and crawler designs.[29] Sarens has integrated units like Demag AC series all-terrain cranes ranging from 55 to 250 tonnes and Liebherr LTM 1450 models for enhanced load capacities.[29] Additional suppliers such as Tadano, Grove, and Sany contribute to the mix, ensuring a balanced selection of hydraulic and lattice boom options.[30][31][32]

To promote sustainability, the fleet incorporates electric-powered and hybrid variants, including ePack systems that enable emission-free operation on select mobile cranes like Tadano AC 3.055-1 and AC 4.080-1 models.[30] These features reduce fuel consumption and noise, aligning with environmental goals in urban and sensitive sites.[33]

Maintenance practices emphasize proactive refurbishment and upgrades to enhance efficiency and safety, with dedicated services for mechanical overhauls and component replacements across the fleet.[22] Modernization efforts include retrofitting for electrical compatibility and integrating advanced monitoring systems to extend equipment lifespan.[34]

Deployment occurs through flexible rental models, offering short- or long-term contracts with or without operators, tailored to project needs and ensuring high availability for global operations.[19] This approach supports efficient utilization, with cranes frequently mobilized for infrastructure and energy sector demands.[35]

Specialized Transport and Lifting Equipment

Sarens maintains a extensive fleet of self-propelled modular transporters (SPMTs) and conventional trailers designed for heavy-load transport across land, capable of handling configurations up to approximately 20,000 tonnes through modular coupling. The SPMT fleet comprises over 2,500 axle lines as of 2024, with expansions including over 100 additional Cometto axle lines in 2025.[22][36] SPMTs, such as Kamag and Goldhofer models with 4- or 6-axle lines, offer capacities of 36 to 48 tonnes per axle line and feature advanced maneuvering technologies including circle drives around the trailer center and crab steering for precise navigation in tight spaces.[37] These systems also incorporate ballasting capabilities with a lifting height of about 500 mm, enabling adaptation to uneven terrain during the transport of civil constructions, petrochemical components, and oversized modules from factories to installation sites.[37] Conventional trailers complement SPMTs for road-legal hauls, including specialized variants like the K25 with extended axle spacings for North American routes.[38]

Hydraulic gantries and jacks provide supplementary vertical lifting solutions for scenarios where cranes are impractical, particularly in confined spaces with load capacities reaching up to 1,000 tonnes per unit in configured systems. Gantries, often paired with strand jacks, support lifts such as 12,000-tonne oil rig topsides or 6,000-tonne shipyard modules, utilizing climbing or jacking mechanisms with external bracing for stability at heights up to 24 meters.[39] Jacking systems include in-house designs like the climbing jack, which achieves a maximum height of 9 meters with semi-automatic operation, and the Perpetuum jack, offering 250 tonnes per position from a minimum height of 450 mm for easy assembly in restricted areas.[40] These tools facilitate precise vertical movements in industrial settings, such as module installations or bridge placements.

Skidding and jacking systems enable horizontal and vertical relocations of heavy industrial equipment, with skidding operations documented up to 18,000 tonnes using greased skid tracks layered with Teflon for low-friction sliding. A skid shoe is mounted between the load and track, pulled by specialized push-pull mechanisms or integrated with strand jacks for applications like offshore jacket load-outs and factory-to-site transfers.[41] Jacking complements skidding in these systems, allowing synchronized lifts and shifts through custom-engineered setups that incorporate planning software for load distribution and path optimization, ensuring safe industrial relocations without full disassembly.[40]

For waterway-based projects, Sarens deploys a fleet of barges equipped with mooring winches, ballast systems, anchors, and linkspan bridges to support transport and lifting over inland and marine routes, particularly in offshore wind developments, including 4 barges, 6 twin barges, and 90 modular barges as of 2024.[22] These vessels handle load-ins and load-outs of components like monopiles and transition pieces, as seen in the St. Nazaire and Fécamp wind farms, where they facilitated the movement of gravity-based structures weighing thousands of tonnes.[42] In-house engineering ensures barge stability during operations involving up to 176 monopiles for U.S. projects.[43]

Rigging accessories form a critical component of Sarens' transport and lifting toolkit, including slings and grommets configured for multi-point lifting tackles, such as four-point setups with hooks or equalizers to distribute loads evenly. Shackles—available in standard, wide-body, and heavy-duty variants—secure connections, while custom spreader beams are engineered for specific load geometries to minimize sling angles and enhance stability during supplementary lifts.[44] These items integrate briefly with broader crane services to complete engineered transport solutions.[19]

Development of Giant Crane Technology

Sarens initiated the in-house development of its Sarens Giant Crane (SGC) series in the 2010s, leveraging ring-lift technology to handle ultra-heavy loads beyond the capabilities of conventional mobile cranes.[45] This approach positions the crane's upper structure on a circular ring track, enabling 360-degree slewing and enhanced stability for lifts exceeding thousands of tons, as demonstrated in the inaugural SGC-120 model introduced in 2018.[46] The design process emphasized modularity, allowing components to be scaled and configured for diverse project demands while maintaining structural integrity under extreme conditions.[45]

To ensure safety and interoperability, the SGC series adheres to European standards EN 13000 for mobile cranes and EN 13001 for general crane design, with components tested at 125% of rated loads for both dynamic and static scenarios.[47] This compliance facilitates modular assembly and disassembly, incorporating fail-safe systems like safety PLCs and high-quality components to mitigate risks in high-stakes operations.[47] By aligning with these norms, Sarens' engineers integrated advanced control systems that monitor load distribution and prevent overloads, enhancing overall reliability without compromising lifting performance.[46]

A pivotal evolution in the SGC lineup occurred in the 2020s with the adoption of electric and hybrid powertrains, aimed at minimizing emissions and operational noise, beginning with the SGC-90 launched in 2020.[48] This fully electric model connects to the national grid, regenerating excess energy during load lowering to achieve up to 40% reduction in consumption, eliminating exhaust emissions and hydraulic oil risks.[49] Subsequent models, such as the SGC-170 introduced in 2025, extended this hybrid capability, combining battery storage with grid power for sustainable heavy lifting in environmentally sensitive sites.[50]

The SGC designs incorporate containerizable modularity, enabling transport via standard 40-foot containers—up to 160 for larger units like the SGC-120—to streamline global deployment and cut on-site assembly from months to weeks.[51] This feature reduces logistical complexities, as components arrive pre-assembled where possible, allowing crews to focus on ring installation and final integration rather than extensive fabrication.[45]

Sarens has committed substantial R&D investments to the SGC program, including in-house engineering for load moment calculations and stability simulations to optimize performance under variable conditions.[52] These efforts involve proprietary software for dynamic modeling, ensuring precise predictions of crane behavior during lifts, and occasional collaborations with specialized firms for validation of complex simulations.[20] Such advancements have positioned the SGC series as a benchmark for ultra-heavy lifting innovation, with ongoing investments supporting fleet expansions like the design and production of the fifth unit.[22]

Notable Giant Cranes

Sarens' Super Giant Crane (SGC) series represents the pinnacle of heavy-lifting technology, with several models achieving record capacities and enabling unprecedented infrastructure feats. The flagship SGC-250, known as "Big Carl," boasts a 250,000 tonne-metre load moment and a maximum lifting capacity of 5,000 tonnes, making it the world's largest land-based crane.[53][54] Launched in 2018, it features a modular ring design with a 118-160 metre main boom, a 100-metre jib, and a maximum height of 250 metres, allowing lifts at radii up to 275 metres.[53][55] Its debut project was the Hinkley Point C nuclear power station in the UK, where it has performed numerous lifts, including installing a 245-tonne reactor dome in 2025 and a polar crane within the reactor building.[56][57]

Following closely, the SGC-170, unveiled in July 2025, offers a 170,000 tonne-metre load moment and 3,200-tonne lifting capacity, positioning it as the second-most powerful in the fleet.[58][50] As an all-electric model, it emphasizes sustainability with grid connectivity and regenerative braking to recover energy during load lowering, reducing emissions on sensitive sites.[59] Named "Big Matthias" after R&D Manager Matthias Sarens during its christening in September 2025, it builds on the series' modular transport system, where components are shipped via self-propelled modular transporters (SPMTs) and assembled on-site for efficient deployment.[18][46]

The SGC-120 and SGC-140 models, introduced in the 2010s, provide versatile capacities of 120,000 to 140,000 tonne-metres, supporting a range of megaprojects.[60][61] The SGC-120, nicknamed "Big Benny," has been instrumental in nuclear installations, such as lifting reactor vessels at the HPCL refinery in India and executing engineered lifts at the Browns Ferry Nuclear Plant in the US.[62][63] Meanwhile, the SGC-140 has facilitated bridge installations and petrochemical upgrades, including brownfield replacements and greenfield constructions, thanks to its adaptable boom and jib configurations.[64][61] Both models incorporate transport modularity, with disassembled parts moved by SPMTs to minimize road impact and enable rapid setup.[65]

Rounding out the electric innovations, the SGC-90, dubbed "Little Celeste," delivers a 90,000 tonne-metre capacity as Sarens' first fully electric ring crane, launched in 2020.[48][66] Named after the granddaughter of founder Frantz Sarens, it connects directly to the power grid for zero-emission operation and regenerates electricity during descent, feeding surplus back to the site.[48][67] Designed for the energy transition, it has supported offshore wind projects like Taiwan's Greater Changhua windfarm, lifting turbine components while minimizing environmental impact.[68][69] Its modular design allows transport in sections, facilitating use in urban or ecologically sensitive areas.[70]

These SGC models have collectively enabled record-breaking lifts, such as reactor dome placements at Hinkley Point C and heavy vessel installations in refineries, showcasing Sarens' expertise in modular transport and assembly for global megaprojects.[57][62]

Leadership and Family Involvement

The Sarens company traces its roots to the 1920s, when the family operated a forestry business using horse-drawn carts for tree transport in Belgium, evolving into the formal establishment of Sarens in 1955 by founder Frans Sarens.[71][72] Over four generations of the Sarens family have been deeply involved in the business, with the third generation—including Hendrik, Benny, Jan, Marc, and Ludo Sarens—taking leadership roles by 2005 to guide international expansion.[73][74] The fourth generation now plays a prominent role, exemplified by CEO Wim Sarens, who assumed leadership in 2010 and represents the family's continued commitment to operational oversight.[75] Seven fourth-generation family members remain active in key positions, including board members such as Jan L. Sarens, Carl Sarens, Stijn Sarens, and Sofie Sarens.[76][22]

In April 2023, the Sarens family reacquired full ownership of the company, purchasing the stake held by Begoos (part of Group Luc Tack) that had been acquired in 2021, thereby restoring 100% family control and eliminating external board mandates.[77] This move underscores the family's strategic emphasis on independence, allowing unhindered pursuit of long-term goals aligned with their core values of innovation, safety, and engineering excellence.[78] These values, instilled across generations, have shaped company strategy, prioritizing safety through rigorous training and innovative equipment design, as well as excellence in heavy-lift solutions.[79][80] Family members in executive roles actively contribute to embedding these principles, fostering a culture where safety is paramount and innovation drives competitive advantage.[81]

The family's multi-generational involvement facilitates structured succession planning, with younger members gaining hands-on experience in global operations to ensure continuity.[82] This approach has directly influenced pivotal decisions, such as substantial investments in giant crane technology, including the development and ownership of the SGC-120, SGC-140, SGC-90, and the recently christened SGC-170 "Big Matthias"—named after fourth-generation R&D manager Matthias Sarens for his contributions to the crane family.[1][83][84] These initiatives reflect the family's vision for pioneering containerizable heavy-lift capabilities, reinforcing Sarens' position as a global leader.[73]

Governance and Sustainability

Sarens maintains a comprehensive corporate governance framework that emphasizes ethical standards and compliance across its global operations. The company's Code of Conduct, applicable to all subsidiaries and employees worldwide, prohibits corruption, fraud, and bribery while promoting transparency through whistleblower channels and ethical business practices.[85] It also underscores commitments to human rights, including prohibitions on forced, compulsory, or child labor, and fosters diversity and equal opportunity by non-discrimination based on age, race, gender, or other factors.[86] Annual reporting practices, such as the 2024 Annual Report, detail governance principles including quarterly Board of Directors meetings and oversight by committees like the Audit and Nomination and Remuneration Committees to ensure financial controls and compliance.[22] Risk management frameworks address international operational challenges, including compliance with global trade laws, economic boycotts, and cybersecurity measures like secure access service edge (SASE) networks.[22]

In sustainability, Sarens has achieved recognition through the EcoVadis assessment, earning a Bronze Medal with a score of 61 out of 100 in 2025, placing it in the 69th percentile and highlighting strengths in labor rights, human rights, and environmental impact.[86] The company integrates these priorities into its ESG strategy, outlined in annual SHEQ and ESG reports from 2023 to 2025, which track progress on reducing environmental footprints.[87] Key initiatives include installing over 3,000 solar panels at its Belgian headquarters and additional photovoltaic systems, such as 200 panels at the Dunkerque depot generating 90,000 kWh annually and 50 kWp in Poland.[86] For fleet transitions, Sarens is shifting toward electrification, with over 100 electric charging stations installed, research into electric self-propelled modular transporter (SPMT) power packs, and adoption of hybrid and electric vehicles to lower emissions.[87]

Carbon reduction targets feature prominently in these reports, with efforts like fleet CO2 monitoring via black box technology, development of a CO2 prediction tool, and upgrades to low-emission equipment such as EURO 6-compliant trucks and over 80 all-terrain cranes meeting EUROMOT Stage V standards.[33] From 2023 to 2025, Sarens has reported progressive improvements, including replacing 36 cranes with cleaner technologies in 2023 and investing €30 million in sustainable equipment by 2025, aligning with broader goals for energy efficiency and waste minimization across facilities.[22] These measures support the company's preparation for the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), with full compliance targeted for 2026.[33]