ESTA Director Ton Klijn has called on the construction industry’s major clients and contractors to give public backing to the fast-growing European Crane Operators Licence (ECOL) scheme. Klijn said that many clients and contractors – especially those in the energy and civil engineering sectors – have long complained to ESTA that they do not know … Read more
ESTA has expressed concern at reports that the USA authorities are refusing to accept cranes and other construction machinery equipped with the latest Tier 5 engines. ESTA Section Cranes President Wouter van Noort said: “ESTA is urgently seeking clarification from our American friends and from the crane and equipment manufacturers.” ESTA has been told that … Read more
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
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
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 is very concerned about the recently-announced new UK plans to combat illegal immigration. ESTA recognises the challenges and cannot condone any willing assistance from drivers and road goods transport companies to facilitate illegal immigration, but we have a number of reservations related to the new proposed immigration rules, specifically where they are aimed at the road transport sector. In summary, the UK Government is proposing: – to increase the fines levied on transport companies by raising the maximum penalty per person found entering illegally … Read more
It is ESTA’s sad duty to announce the death of Sander Splinter, our former Board Member and President of the Section Cranes. He was 49 and had been suffering from lung cancer.He leaves his wife and three daughters. Sander Splinter – The national condolence register Sander was a highly respected figure in our industry. He … Read more
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 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
European Commission officials and the French authorities are in talks over the country’s controversial introduction of rules on “blind spot” safety stickers for road transport. The new rules – which made such stickers mandatory for all lorries travelling on French roads – came into force on January 1, although international vehicles were given until April … Read more