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In the far reaches of the Arctic Circle, where temperatures can plummet to a bone-chilling minus 35 degrees Celsius in winter, Liebherr's HS 8200 duty cycle crawler crane stood tall, defying the harsh Arctic conditions. The mammoth machine is at the heart of the largest construction project in Greenland's history, as Munk Civil Engineering undertakes dredging work for two groundbreaking airport projects in the coastal towns of Ilulissat and Nuuk.
With only propeller-driven aircraft currently able to land in these towns, the new airports represent a significant leap forward for Greenland's connectivity. However, before these airports can become operational, extensive dredging is required, particularly in Ilulissat where part of the runway lies within the sea. The HS 8200, which can extract around 1,000 cubic meters of clay sediment per day, is instrumental in preparing the seabed for construction.
"In one day shift, our extraction rate can be up to 1,000 m³ of excavated clay material," explains Construction Manager Kevin van den Bos.
Equipped with a 35-meter-long boom and a 3.5 cubic meter clamshell grab, the 200-tonne HS 8200 operates with precision, aided by Liebherr's innovative Dredging Assistant technology. This system provides real-time data to the operator, optimizing the dredging process and ensuring accurate calculations for material requirements — a crucial aspect of such large-scale projects.
The challenges extend beyond the frigid temperatures and demanding work requirements. Logistics in the remote Arctic region pose a significant hurdle, with supplies arriving by ship only once a week. Munck Civil Engineering has had to establish a robust supply chain and maintain a well-equipped workshop for timely repairs — a testament to their adaptability and resilience in such extreme conditions.
Despite these challenges, the HS 8200 operates six days a week, in 10-hour shifts, consistently exceeding expectations.
"The machine runs really well and has exceeded our expectations. We will finish even earlier than anticipated. That is really positive," van den Bos concluded.
