Mammoet has successfully tested its SK6000 crane for fully electric operation, marking a significant milestone in the construction industry’s journey towards sustainability.
The SK6000, renowned as the world’s strongest land-based crane, now offers zero-emission capability for projects worldwide.
The electrification of the SK6000 not only eliminates emissions but also significantly reduces noise pollution, creating a safer and more communicative work environment.
This innovation is expected to make large projects cleaner, safer, and more financially attractive.
The SK6000’s versatility is a key feature of its design. It can operate directly from grid power, or in locations with limited power infrastructure, via batteries or hydrogen generators.
During testing, two 600kWh Battery Boxes from Bredenoord were connected in series, providing 1,200kWh of power — equivalent to the output of 20 electric cars.
The integration of these battery systems proved to have minimal impact on site operations, with connection taking only a day shift.
Niek Bezuijen, Global Sustainability Advisor at Mammoet, highlighted the immediate relevance of this technology: “Electrification isn’t a matter for the future of heavy lifting — it is needed now, and through innovations like this Mammoet can help its customers lead on safety, efficiency, sustainability and cost.”
The SK6000’s power options are diverse and adaptable.
It can plug directly into medium voltage networks common in heavy industry or utilise ‘shore power’ connections at port facilities.
The crane’s battery functionality offers additional flexibility, with the ability to recharge during the significant downtime between lifts.
This breakthrough has wide-ranging implications across various sectors. In the offshore wind industry, Mammoet can now offer a fully zero-emission, low-noise marshalling service.
Oil and gas projects stand to benefit from the complete elimination of carbon impact during heavy lifting operations while maintaining the efficiency of modular construction methods.
In the nuclear sector, the reduced noise levels enhance safety at complex construction sites while supporting the delivery of low-carbon energy.
The development of the electric SK6000 was partially funded by the Subsidieregeling Schoon en Emissieloos Bouwmaterieel in the Netherlands, a research and demonstration fund aimed at developing zero-emission initiatives for construction sites.
As the world moves towards more sustainable practices, Mammoet’s electric SK6000 represents a significant leap forward in heavy lifting technology, promising to transform the environmental footprint of major construction projects across the globe.
