ICSA publishes new guidance on wind farm ground preparation

The International Crane Stakeholders Assembly (ICSA) has released new guidance on “Mobile Crane Ground Preparation for Wind Farm Construction” The decision to approve the guidance for publication was taken at the ICSA’s most recent meeting, held online on June 15. The document can be downloaded for free from the ICSA website – www.icsa-crane.org – and … Read more

Tadano and Manitowoc become ECOL training centres

Crane manufacturers Tadano and Manitowoc are the latest organisations to complete the process of becoming approved European Crane Operators Licence (ECOL) training centres and are expected to start their first ECOL courses soon. The companies’ training centres in Germany are expected to receive their ECOL Certificates shortly, after approval from Lloyds Register, the body tasked … Read more

ESTA’s new library – an industry resource

ESTA has created a Library section in its new website containing a series of free detailed briefing documents and reports on current subjects important to the crane and heavy transport industries. Documents so far available for download include: European Crane Operators Licence; an ESTA Briefing (in English and German) Transport and Installation of Onshore WTG … Read more

In memory of René van der Steen

It is with great sadness that the ECOL Foundation has to announce the sudden death of Supervisory Board member René van der Steen. He was 64 years old. René had been suffering from ill health for some time but until recently – driven by his great energy and enthusiasm – he was able to continue … Read more

ECOL announces new in-company training scheme

ESTA’s growing European Crane Operators Licence (ECOL) has adopted a new in-company apprentice training structure which the organisation’s leaders hope will make it easier for countries with a strong tradition of apprenticeships to become directly involved in the project. In light of the development, one leading German organisation has already indicated that it intends to … Read more

ESTA Awards 2021 – winners and finalists

The winners of the 2021 ESTA Awards were announced last week in a well-received online ceremony that attracted almost 300 participants. Details of all the winners and finalists are below. 1. CRANES, TELESCOPIC, LIFTING CAPACITY MORE THAN 120 TONNES WINNER Mammoet EuropeThree wheeled mobile cranes were chosen over one crawler crane for the installation of … Read more

Talks begin over loader crane standards reforms

Talks are underway in Europe about whether knuckle boom/loader cranes of over 150Tm capacity should come under the EN13000 standard rather than EN12999 for safety reasons. The controversial discussions will be led by a new harmonization group created by Workgroups 2 and 11 of CEN TC 147, the part of the European Committee for Standardization … Read more