Multiple tower cranes on tough coastal project

Liebherr Litronic tower cranes type 280 EC-H in 12 and 16 tonne capacities on the coastal site in Trondheim. Photo: Liebherr

Norwegian construction contractor Hent deployed six Liebherr tower cranes on its latest project to build the Norwegian Ocean Technology Centre (NOTC) in Trondheim.

NOTC will be an advanced research and education centre for maritime technology. It is being built for the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) and SINTEF Ocean.

Six Liebherr tower cranes are working across the large site. Four are 280 EC-H 12 Litronics and there is one 16 tonne version of the conventional saddle jib type 280 EC-H 16 Litronic. The sixth unit is an 81 K.1 fast-erecting crane. Heavy concrete and steel components, formwork and large structural elements are the main loads. As the site is adjacent to the sea all the cranes need to operate reliably in variable weather, including strong wind.

Six Liebherr tower cranes are helping to build the Norwegian Ocean Technology Centre. It will be an advanced research and education hub for maritime technology. Photo: Liebherr

Crane supply

The cranes were supplied by the equipment rental and service division of UCO (Utleiecompagniet AS). Its fleet consists of around 180 tower cranes, mostly Liebherrs and the division is a continuation of ED Knutsen which started as a Liebherr dealer in Norway in the 1950s, merging with UCO in 2016. UCO was established in 2002, posted revenue in 2024 of NOK1.2 billion (US$119 million) and employs 260. It has supplied cranes for some of the largest bridge projects in Norway, for oil platforms and major infrastructure around the country. Engineering, lift diagrams, technical information and more are all part of the offer.

Completion of the NOTC is due in 2030 and it will include laboratories, workshops, offices and facilities for teaching. Research areas include emission-free shipping, renewable offshore energy and sustainability in aquaculture.

In addition to the tough weather conditions, the site and its terrain present challenges requiring complex structural geometry and strict safety elements. Liebherr’s Tower Crane Solutions team supported Hent with engineering and calculations for the cranes.