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RRS Completes Complex 71-Tonne Cable Reel Installation Using 450t Crane and SPMT
Back to NewsRRS has successfully completed a complex heavy lift and specialist transport project involving the assembly, rotation and final installation of two 71-tonne cable reels. The works were delivered with zero incidents across more than 5,000 person hours on site.
Before lifting operations commenced, RRS carried out comprehensive ground bearing and plate load testing to confirm the suitability of ground conditions for the planned crane operations. These early-stage assessments were critical in ensuring the lifting phase could proceed safely and in line with engineering requirements.
RRS operated as Principal Contractor under CDM regulations, managing all on-site activities including traffic management, crane operations and overall programme coordination. An experienced on-site Project Manager oversaw the month-long assembly programme, directing specialist assembly operatives and maintaining full control of safety, sequencing and compliance throughout.
Month-Long Cable Reel Assembly
The project began with the on-site assembly of the two 71-tonne cable reels using a mobile crane. Due to the size, weight and configuration of the reels, the assembly required careful sequencing, detailed lift planning and close coordination between multiple teams.
Over the duration of the programme, more than 5,000 person hours were completed without incident, reflecting the strong safety culture and disciplined approach maintained throughout the project.
Following completion of the assembly phase, a weekend road closure was implemented under full traffic management to allow the critical lifting and relocation operations to take place within a tightly controlled timeframe.
Tandem Crane Lift and SPMT Relocation
To rotate the first cable reel, RRS deployed a 450-tonne crane working alongside a 150-tonne crane in a tandem lift configuration. The 71-tonne reel was carefully rotated and landed onto RRS’ new Self-Propelled Modular Transporter.
The SPMT was then used to relocate the reel safely and precisely to its designated position on site.
The second cable reel was subsequently rotated and landed onto an under-roller system.
On the following day, after repositioning the crane, the SPMT was offloaded and the cable reel was lifted into its permanent location, bringing the installation phase to completion.
Delivering as Principal Contractor
This project demonstrates RRS’ capability as a heavy lift contractor and SPMT transport specialist, while delivering full Principal Contractor responsibility under CDM regulations. From ground testing and engineering validation through to crane operations, traffic management and final installation, the works were delivered as a fully integrated solution.
Paul Barber, Managing Director of RRS, said:
“This was a fantastic project for our team to deliver. It brought together detailed engineering, complex heavy lifting and specialist transport, all within a very tight operational window. The level of planning and coordination involved was significant, and I am extremely proud of how the team executed every stage of the works.
Completing over 5,000 hours on site with zero incidents is a real credit to everyone involved. Most importantly, we handed the project back to a very happy client. It was also a great opportunity to put our new SPMTs into operation on a job of this scale and complexity.”
The successful completion of this cable reel installation further reinforces RRS’ ability to deliver complex heavy lifting and specialist transport projects safely, efficiently and within demanding operational constraints.
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