Seven new Grove rough-terrain cranes from Manitowoc are at the heart of construction on one of the largest petrochemical plants in the Philippines. The cranes are working among a dense network of pipes and machinery to install chimneys and lift general construction materials at the $800 million project, due for completion later this year.
Five of the cranes, four RT765E-2s and an RT890E, were bought specifically for the project by EEI, one of the largest construction companies in the Philippines. The cranes arrived in the country in February this year. The two other Grove machines, both RT760Es, were rented by EEI from Manitowoc subsidiary MCG Inc., to complement the purchased cranes.
The cranes were selected for their superior quality, impressive maneuverability and high level of reliability, as Jorel Mateo, vice-president of logistics at EEI, explains.
“This is a very complicated and important project for the country where safety is paramount and completing on time is crucial,” he said. “The Grove cranes are powerful units in compact packages. They adapt to different demands at the job site and are quick to set up on uneven ground. Their versatility ensures the project moves ahead on schedule.”
The five new cranes were shipped to the Philippines from Manitowoc’s Shady Grove, Pa., factory in the U.S. Once on site, they were immediately put to work. Their main responsibility is to erect chimneys but they are also assisting with general construction duties. Among the heaviest loads are large sections for the chimneys, which weigh up to 45 t. More complicated lifts require the cranes to work in tandem.
Located in the coastal city of Batanga, south of Manila, the project is bordered by sea and mountains. The job site offers the toughest of conditions, including extreme heat, humidity, uneven ground and tight spaces. But this is no problem for the Grove cranes or their operators, thanks to a design that includes a comfortable cab, four-steering modes and rugged engineering.
The cranes are working twelve hours a day, six days a week to ensure the plant finishes on time. Once work is complete, the cranes will transfer to other EEI projects.
Grove’s RT765E-2 is a 60 t capacity rough-terrain crane with a 33 m main boom. These cranes were all supplied with 17 m bi-fold swingaway lattice extensions for extra reach. The RT890E is a newer model with a capacity of 80 t and a 43 m boom. The RT760E is the predecessor to the RT765E-2, and it also has a 33 m main boom, but maximum capacity is 55 t.
The plant is a landmark for the Philippines’ petrochemical industry as the first facility to employ the naptha cracking process. Once operational in 2014, the plant will produce enough ethylene to serve the country’s requirements and allow for exports to countries such as China and Vietnam.