XUZHOU, China -- September 01, 2026 -- XCMG has rolled the first main unit of what it calls the world's largest ring crane off its production line, a 14,000-ton lifting machine built jointly with Sinopec Heavy Lifting & Transportation Co., Ltd. The announcement came out of Xuzhou, China, on August 28, 2026, and the companies described it as a breakthrough for heavy-lift technology used in power plant construction. Once fully assembled, the crane is expected to set new capacity records for the industry.
Two Units Combine to Lift 14,000 Tons
The crane runs on a modular design built from two main units that operate together. The first of those units has completed final assembly and can already carry out lifting operations on its own, according to XCMG. Once both units are integrated, the finished crane will reach a maximum lifting capacity of 14,000 tons and a maximum lifting moment of 700,000 ton-meters, figures the company said will place several of its performance metrics at the top of the industry.
Electric Drive Cuts Fuel Costs and Emissions
The crane uses a direct-drive electric system that converts electricity straight into motion, bypassing the diesel-heavy setups common in earlier ultra-heavy lifting equipment. XCMG reported the system delivers more than 30% in energy savings, raises operational efficiency by 20%, and lowers both fuel costs and carbon emissions.
Nuclear and Offshore Wind Projects Drive the Need
Nuclear power plants around the world are getting bigger and more modular, and that shift has pushed demand for cranes that can move ultra-heavy components in fewer, larger lifts. The new crane can lift entire towers and pressure vessels as complete assemblies for conventional power plants, replacing piece-by-piece lifting and cutting down on risks during installation and pressure testing. For nuclear construction specifically, XCMG said the crane can handle plant modules and main equipment for two nuclear reactor units from a single crane position using a single-arm configuration, a capability the company described as unmatched worldwide. Offshore wind farms stand to benefit too, since the crane's lifting height and capacity allow for installation of higher-capacity turbines.
Yang Dongsheng, chairman of XCMG Group and XCMG Machinery, described the crane as more than an incremental upgrade, calling it a transformational leap for the global heavy-lifting industry. He said the partnership with Sinopec created a new integrated model spanning research and development, manufacturing, and field deployment, setting an industry benchmark for independent innovation in major technical equipment. Yang added that XCMG plans to keep developing ultra-large engineering equipment on its own, aiming to deliver safer, more efficient, and more energy-saving construction solutions to customers worldwide.