The crane, which will have a lifting capacity of 4,800t, will be used to install the precast viaduct elements. Enerpac said that it will be world’s largest, offshore overhead gantry crane.
The Enerpac crane will operate from an offshore barge. Concrete precast foundation elements - gravity base, pile head and segments - will be collected from the harbour of Reunion Island and positioned on the seabed. The crane will be used for at least 200 foundation block lifts.
The 5,400m coastal highway will connect Saint Denis - the administrative capital of La Réunion - with La Possession. It replaces the existing coastal road, which is exposed to falling rocks and flooding from swells and tropical storms.
Earlier this week, the European Investment Bank (EIB) and agreed to lend the Reunion regional government US$550 million for the project.