Potain cranes on French eco-district project

Potain tower cranes on location at the new eco-district in southern France (Photo: Manitowoc)

Construction of Canebiers-Villette, a new eco-district in Cagnes-sur-Mer, in the south of France, is continuing at pace.

To support the project, local Potain dealer Grues et Matériels Côte d’Azur (GMCA) supplied a fleet of Potain MDT flat top tower cranes. These include two MDT 269 models, an MDT 319 and an MDT 219 – an MDT 109 will soon be added.

The flat top design allows structural specialist Da Mota Construction to optimise hook heights within a limited vertical space, mimimising the mast sections required for each crane which further helps to simplify equipment transport and installation.

One MDT 269 has a 31 metre hook height and a 65 metre jib. Working above it is an MDT 219 (36 metre height and 55-metre jib).

The other MDT 269 has a 46 metre height and a 55 metre jib, while the MDT 319 has a 56 metre height and 65 metre jib. This unit also features a Potain Cab-In operator lift.

Good progress

“The site organisation, the positioning of the cranes and their reliability and productivity allow us to meet the tight schedule. The structural work is progressing at the desired pace, to the great satisfaction of the customer,” said Xavier Bochet, director of GMCA.

All cranes have Manitowoc’s Crane Control System, enabling easy configuration and commissioning, as well as advanced co-ordination. Other features include the Potain Connect telematics for real-time monitoring and remote diagnostics to maximise uptime and productivity. In addition to the Cab-In lift on the MDT 319, the other cranes also include operator lifts to improve access and jobsite efficiency.

The Canebiers-Villette eco-district will feature 485 sustainable housing units, offices, restaurants, shops, parking and green areas. The development incorporates multiple environmentally friendly features, including low-carbon concrete to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 8,500 tonnes, renewable energy systems covering 60 per cent of heating and cooling needs, and grey water reuse for irrigation.

In addition, the project will include 850 square metres of solar panels, while more than 5,300 square metres of roof area will be covered in vegetation to help prevent heat saturation.