News Release

BP’s Chembel plant in Geel, one of the largest refineries in Belgium, has added a second Grove rough-terrain crane to its maintenance force at the complex. The 135 t capacity RT9150E, which is one of the highest capacity rough-terrain cranes in the world, will be based at the site year-round and perform scheduled and emergency maintenance work around the clock. Paul Spaepen, CEO of Belgian Lifting & Equipment Company, the Grove dealer that supplied both cranes, said the Chembel plant is one of the few refineries to conduct its own maintenance.

“Most plants of this kind sub-contract maintenance work, which often involves renting large all-terrain cranes, which can prove costly,” he said. “This Grove RT9150E is far more compact and easier to maneuver than an equivalent capacity all-terrain crane, and it is ideal for the congested industrial environment in which it will operate. The crane has excellent capacity and reach, making it a class-leading machine suitable for a wide range of work in the oil and gas industry.”

The new RT9150E replaces an old and cumbersome 80 t capacity all-terrain crane, and joins a Grove RT890E that was bought by BP in 2007. The new Grove arrived at the plant in mid-January and performs general maintenance work across the 1,150,000 m2 site.

Launched in 2011, the RT9150E has one of the best load charts of any rough-terrain crane in the market. It has a 60 m main boom, which is increased to 81 m with the use of a bi-fold swingaway extension. Fully extended, the crane can lift 3.6 t at up to 39 m radius. The crane’s two-axle design means it is less than 10 m long and its all-wheel steering gives it excellent maneuverability. Like all Groves, the crane also offers excellent pick and carry capabilities.

The refinery’s other Grove crane, an RT890E bought in 2007, has as a capacity of 80 t and a 43 m boom.

BP Chembel is a chemical production center that produces more than two million tons of purified terephthatic acid and paraxylene each year. The plant employs more than 360 people.

About The Manitowoc Company, Inc.

The Manitowoc Company, Inc. (“Manitowoc”) was founded in 1902 and has over a 117-year tradition of providing high-quality products and support services that are tailored to customers’ needs. Its 2019 net sales were approximately $1.83 billion. Manitowoc is one of the world's leading providers of engineered lifting solutions. Through its wholly-owned subsidiaries, Manitowoc designs, manufactures, markets and supports comprehensive product lines of mobile telescopic cranes, tower cranes, lattice-boom crawler cranes, boom trucks and industrial cranes under the Grove, Potain, Manitowoc, National Crane, Shuttlelift and Manitowoc Crane Care brand names.