Xuzhou, China -- August 30, 2026 -- Chinese heavy equipment maker XCMG rolled out the first main unit of what it calls the world's largest ring crane, a machine built to lift up to 14,000 tons once fully assembled. The crane was developed with Sinopec Heavy Lifting & Transportation Co., Ltd. and is aimed at construction sites for nuclear plants, offshore wind farms, and conventional power stations that need to move enormous prefabricated components in single lifts rather than piece by piece. XCMG said the first unit has completed final assembly and can already run lifting operations on its own.
Two Units Combine for Record Lifting Power
The crane uses a modular design built from two main units that work together. Once both are finished and integrated, the combined machine will reach a maximum lifting capacity of 14,000 tons and a maximum lifting moment of 700,000 ton-meters, figures XCMG said will rank among the highest in the industry. Yang Dongsheng, chairman of XCMG Group and XCMG Machinery, described the crane as a transformational leap for the global heavy-lifting industry rather than an incremental upgrade, and credited the partnership with Sinopec for combining research, manufacturing, and field deployment into one integrated model.
Electric Drive Cuts Fuel Costs on Site
The crane runs on a direct-drive electric system that converts electricity straight into motion instead of relying on traditional hydraulic or mechanical transmission. XCMG reported the setup delivers more than 30% in energy savings, raises operational efficiency by 20%, and lowers both fuel costs and carbon emissions on the job site. For construction crews working months-long installation schedules, that kind of efficiency gain can translate into lower project costs and fewer diesel deliveries to remote sites.
Built for Nuclear and Offshore Wind Sites
Nuclear plant projects worldwide have grown larger and more modular, driving demand for cranes capable of moving whole reactor components at once. XCMG said the new crane can lift entire towers and pressure vessels as complete assemblies for conventional power projects, cutting out the risks tied to assembling parts piecemeal, welding joints on site, and running separate pressure tests. For nuclear construction specifically, the company said a single crane positioned with one arm configuration can handle plant modules and major equipment for two reactor units without repositioning. In offshore wind installation, its lifting height and capacity allow crews to install larger-capacity turbines that older cranes cannot handle.
Yang said XCMG plans to keep developing ultra-large engineering equipment independently, with the goal of giving customers safer, more efficient, and more energy-efficient construction options across a wider range of projects.