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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.

A propos de 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.