Potain cranes power Vancouver subway expansion

A fleet of Potain tower cranes is helping construct six new stations for Vancouver’s Broadway Subway Project, a US$3-billion expansion of the Millennium Line set to open in 2027.

A fleet of five Potain tower cranes is playing a vital role in the construction of the Broadway Subway Project in Vancouver, a $3-billion infrastructure initiative that will extend the city’s SkyTrain service by 5.7 kilometers (3.5 miles).

The cranes, one MDT 389 L16 and four MDT 219 J10s, are supporting the construction of six new underground stations and associated infrastructure along the Broadway Corridor. The extension of the Millennium Line is expected to open in 2027 and will improve transit access to key destinations, including major medical centers, residential neighborhoods and British Columbia’s second-largest employment hub.

“The cranes’ performance have exceeded expectations, providing the contractor with the confidence and reliability required for a high-visibility project of this magnitude,” said Pavel Jamro, business development manager, Cropac Equipment. “The project has reinforced Potain’s reputation for solid performance in critical infrastructure projects.”

Both crane models are topless designs, allowing flexibility in dense urban environments. The high-capacity MDT 389 L16 offers a 16-ton capacity and 75-meter reach, while the MDT 219 J10 has a 10-ton capacity and 65-meter radius—ideal for urban lifting. The cranes are equipped with Manitowoc’s Crane Control System (CCS), enabling smooth coordination in multi-crane operations and simplifying setup and maintenance.

Supplied by Cropac Equipment, the cranes have been in continuous operation for nearly three years with minimal downtime, supported by Cropac’s local service team.