Takeaways

• Sarens is accelerating its sustainability push through electric cranes and in-house innovations like electric power units.
• The company is using AI and data-driven operations to improve efficiency, cut emissions, and enable predictive maintenance.
• Client demand, regulation, and long-term vision are all shaping Sarens’ transition toward greener heavy lifting solutions.

Global heavy lifting specialist Sarens is stepping up its sustainability efforts by combining electric equipment, artificial intelligence, and data-driven operations to reshape how large-scale lifting projects are executed.

The Belgium-based company, known for its massive crane fleet and engineered transport solutions, is positioning itself as a leader in sustainable heavy lifting. According to company leadership, sustainability is no longer optional; it is becoming central to both operations and client expectations.

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A Dual Approach to Sustainability

Sarens’ sustainability strategy operates on two levels. First, the company supports projects linked to the global energy transition, including onshore and offshore wind developments and nuclear infrastructure. Second, it is working to reduce the environmental impact of its own operations.

A major part of this shift is the move toward electric cranes. Despite their size, some of Sarens’ largest machines are already fully electric, challenging the assumption that bigger equipment automatically means higher emissions.

Recent additions include a 200-tonne electric crawler crane, with plans to expand the fleet further. The company has also developed its own electric power pack units designed to run for up to eight hours without recharging, an important step in making electric operations practical on-site.

Electrification Gains Momentum

Sarens has been experimenting with electric solutions for over a decade. Early versions of electric self-propelled modular transporters faced battery limitations, but advancements in technology have made them more viable.

Today, the company’s flagship ring cranes, including the SGC 90 and the newer SGC 170, are fully electric. These machines were designed with electrification in mind from the outset, offering both environmental and operational advantages over traditional hydraulic systems.

The company now aims to electrify its entire super-heavy lift crane fleet in the coming years, signaling a long-term commitment to decarbonization.

AI and Data Drive Efficiency

Beyond equipment, Sarens is investing heavily in AI in construction and data analytics to improve performance and sustainability outcomes.

The company uses advanced monitoring systems, often referred to as “black boxes,” to collect operational data. This data helps track fuel use, idle time, and equipment performance in real time.

With AI layered on top, Sarens can move toward predictive maintenance, identifying potential breakdowns before they occur and ensuring equipment is serviced only when needed. This reduces downtime, lowers emissions, and extends machine life.

The system also flags inefficiencies, such as unnecessary idling, allowing operators and managers to take corrective action quickly.

Regulation and Client Demand

The push toward data-driven operations is also being shaped by regulation, particularly in Europe, where carbon reporting is becoming mandatory. Countries like the Netherlands are leading the way, requiring detailed tracking of emissions and equipment usage.

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Sarens has already invested in IT systems to meet these requirements, giving it an edge in both compliance and operational insight. At the same time, clients are increasingly asking for transparent sustainability data, further accelerating adoption.

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Source: Crane & Transport BRIEFING