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BP buys second Grove crane for refinery maintenance

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.
Carole Bolomier

Manitowoc Cranes
+33.472.18.2023
carolebolomier@manitowoc.com
Ronan Cloud

SE10
+44 207 107 2008
Brand

GROVE

Grove is the world leader in mobile cranes. For nearly a century, Grove has delivered best-in-class performance and groundbreaking technology through its range of rough-terrain, all-terrain, truck-mounted, military, industrial and telescoping crawler cranes.