Gammon Construction has acquired Hong Kong’s first battery-powered crawler crane, marking another milestone on the company’s journey to achieving its emission reduction targets in line with climate science and the Science Based Target initiative (SBTi).
The new electric crane, the Liebherr LR 1160.1 unplugged, will be deployed on Gammon’s Terminal 2 expansion project at the Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA).
“The crane with an alternative drive system enables a healthier working environment for everyone working on site, and a net carbon saving of nearly 76 t CO2e every year,” explained Gammon. “It can also be used in both plugged and unplugged modes which provides flexibility in its site deployment. In addition, it comes with a 95% recyclable battery with a short charging time of 4.5 hours.”
The LR 1160.1 unplugged was unveiled by Liebherr to the global market last year. Manufactured in Nenzing, Austria, this electric crane has a maximum lifting capacity of 160 t. According to Liebherr, the machine delivers zero emissions and is extremely quiet, making it ideal for use in noise-sensitive areas.
“With our unplugged cranes we offer our customers an alternative drive design. As we have already seen with the LB 16 unplugged, the first battery-powered drilling rig, the strategy is a complete success,” said Andreas Ganahl, managing director for sales at Liebherr (HKG) Ltd.
“Strict requirements regarding environmental sustainability in tenders for construction projects increase the demand for advanced technologies. For us, it was clear that we extend and successfully establish the design in further product groups.”
Kevin O’Brien, chief executive of Gammon, said the company “believes business sustainability and environmental sustainability are inherently interlinked. The introduction of the first electric crawler crane to Hong Kong demonstrates Gammon’s commitment towards net zero. We look forward to having quieter, cleaner and lower carbon construction sites in the future.”
Gammon further revealed that under the SBTi commitment, it is setting two targets for 2033. First, the company will cut 55% of its absolute energy-related emissions through early site electrification, the deployment of electric plant and vehicles, increased energy efficiency and the adoption of modern methods of construction.
The second target is that Gammon will reduce its indirect emissions – mainly the embodied carbon in materials – by 33% through modularisation and reuse of structural steel, lower carbon concrete mixes, procurement of lower carbon steel, optimised material usage through design and construction methods, and selection of alternative materials with a lower carbon footprint.
Last year, Gammon also introduced CarbonCure technology to Hong Kong, whereby carbon dioxide is injected into concrete to help reduce its carbon footprint. The company is pleased to be an industry frontrunner in the adoption of green construction technology.
All images: Gammon Construction
