PHOTOS: ESTA Awards 2025 winners

ICST editor Alex Dahm presenting the ESTA award for lattice boom cranes won by Sarens

ESTA is the European Association of Abnormal Road Transport and Mobile Cranes. Its annual awards event in 2025 was held in Munich, Germany, alongside Bauma, the world’s biggest trade show.

A jury of 13 experts drew up its shortlist of potential winners from more than 50 entries this year.

Following their considered deliberations, the victorious entries were announced at the annual ESTA Users’ Night and Awards gala dinner and presentation event in the Westin Grand hotel.

A maximum of four finalists were shortlisted in each category from which then an overall winner was chosen for each.

Telescopic cranes, lifting capacity more than 120 tonnes

M.J. van Riel

Van Riel used four cranes to install concrete girders for the new Hague Bridge at Schiphol Airport in the Netherlands. The project faced time constraints, environmental challenges and space limitations and required advanced techniques such as a lifting triangle and a specially prepared foundation for crane positioning.

Cranes, lattice boom

Sarens

Sarens handled massive Transition Pieces (750 tonnes each) and Monopiles (1,500 tonnes each) for the He Dreiht Offshore Wind Park in the Netherlands while managing complex client interfaces. They operated 24/7 and used high performance cranes, including Liebherr LR 12500-1.0 and Tadano Demag CC 9800. Sarens’ in-house 750 tonne TP Handler enhanced efficiency and played a crucial role in maintaining the schedule.

Abnormal transport, total weight less than 120 tonnes

OL-Trans

OL-Trans came up with a unique solution for the transport of eight tanks, each weighing 76 tonnes and measuring 4.2 metres in height, from Bydgoszcz in Poland to Elsteraue in Germany – namely the use of a lift adapter trailer, normally used for wind turbine segments. This allowed the transport height to be adjusted to pass under viaducts and over roundabouts.

Abnormal transport, total weight more than 120 tonnes

Allelys

Allelys moved critical energy infrastructure weighing up to 333 tonnes for three UK power stations, covering 22,000 miles (35,640 km). Using advanced technology and a wide range of specialist trailers and configurations, they navigated steep gradients, confined spaces and structural challenges. Careful co-ordination with more than 25 stakeholders ensured safe and efficient delivery for a greener future.

Combined techniques

Sarens

Sarens replaced the old Emile Hammerl bridge at Bettembourg railway station in Luxembourg with a new curved steel bowstring structure, debuting its CS250 tilting system. Manoeuvring massive sections through power cables without removing them, Sarens set a new benchmark in bridge installation, demonstrating engineering excellence, innovation and problem solving.

Safety

Liebherr-Werk Ehingen

Liebherr is equipping new mobile cranes with advanced driver assistance systems that increase road safety by detecting blind spots around the crane and signalling possible people in front of the crane. These Blind Spot Assist and Collision Prevention Systems, which are specially designed for cranes, comply with the latest EU safety regulations.

Innovation

Mammoet Europe

Mammoet broke records by launching the world’s strongest land-based crane: the SK6000, a 6,000 tonne lifting giant that, it says, redefines what’s possible in modular construction and ensures the future constructability of vital renewable energy installations.

SPMT|SPT

Wagenborg Nedlift

Using an ingenious combination of four sets of self propelled modular transporter (SPMT), Wagenborg Nedlift installed a 156 metre long railway bridge weighing 1,080 tonnes across the River Lippe in Wesel, Germany.

Training

Yilnak Heavy Transport

The new Yilnak Academy transport training programme combines theoretical sessions with practical training. Classroom sessions use visual materials and interactive presentations, while hands-on training in real working environments covers equipment use, load safety and operational procedures. Guided by experts, participants gain industry-specific skills for seamless integration into the heavy transport sector.