Sarens Handles Mammoth Units for Shell’s Polaris Project

Sarens was recently called into action to transport and install several mammoth units for Shell’s Polaris carbon capture and storage (CCS) project at Scotford, Canada.

The project cargo handled by the Belgium-based heavy-lift specialist included an amine absorber, amine stripper and an 866,000-pound (433-ton) quench tower. The amine absorber, used to remove carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulfide from natural gas, was the tallest structure at the site, standing at nearly 235 feet.

The project’s planning phase tackled key logistical challenges including de-energizing transmission lines, removing railway arms and assessing bridge capacities to ensure secure passage of the equipment.

For the transport phase, the cargo was carried on local highways over an eight-hour period using two Kamag K25 platform trailers with bolsters consisting of 56 axle lines, selected for their load capacity and capability over public roadways, Sarens said.

“The transportation involved an experienced crew of eight members, working under the guidance of our transport manager Phil Wiebe, project manager Paul Betts, and our well-seasoned engineering team,” Sarens said.

The company collaborated closely with Alberta Transportation to ensure all load requirements were met, it added.

For the eight-day installation phase, Sarens used a CC6800 crane supported by a CC2800 tail crane to handle the amine absorber. The amine stripper and quench tower required precise on-site transportation, for which Sarens deployed a fleet of 24 lines of K24 SPMTs.

“Despite the rather frigid conditions, our crane operators and supervision team delivered exceptional results, completing the job safely and seamlessly,” the company added.

Polaris is expected to begin operations in late-2028. The project has the potential to reduce scope 1 carbon emissions at Shell’s Scotford refinery and chemicals complex by up to 40% and 22%, respectively.

Watch a video of the Sarens team in action at Polaris:



Sarens USA is an exhibitor at Breakbulk Americas. Shell is a member of the Breakbulk Global Shipper Network (BGSN).