Mammoet Uses Electric Power for Heavy-Lift Move

Mammoet has completed a “world-first” electric-powered heavy-lift move after deploying an electric power pack unit, or ePPU, to replace a production vessel at a petrochemical plant in the Netherlands.

The ePPU was used at the Shell plant alongside a four-axle-line self-propelled modular transporter, or SMPT, to remove an existing vessel and drive its replacement into position. The lack of space meant just two axle lines could be positioned beneath the outgoing unit, with the ePPU used as a counterweight to balance the secured cargo as it was manoeuvred.

A crane was deployed to lift the old vessel from the SPMT, then lower the new unit onto the vehicle for installation.

Mammoet, which said the move was a “major milestone” in sustainable heavy-lift transport, has been working with SPMT manufacturer Scheuerle, a division of Germany’s TII Group, to convert its vehicles from diesel to renewable energy.

Ludo Mous, operations director at Mammoet Europe, said the ePPU would help lower the company's carbon footprint as well as reduce emissions in built-up working environments.

“With work taking place in a highly confined area, we would have been highly conscious of the emissions generated by a typical diesel PPU, and would need to carefully manage operatives’ exposure to it. By using an electric model, we removed this issue completely, whilst also creating a much quieter working environment,” Ludo said.

The use of the ePPU was an “exciting development”, Mammoet said, although work remains to ensure electric power is sufficient for deployment in larger-scale SPMT projects.

“We expect demand for it to be high, in particular for projects that are looking for more sustainable options or where exhaust emissions must be kept to a minimum for safety reasons, such as civil projects taking place within tunnels or work inside nuclear facilities,” Ludo said.

Mammoet will be exhibiting at Breakbulk Europe 2022, taking place on 17-19 May in Rotterdam. To register for the world’s premier breakbulk and project cargo event, click on the link below.