Singapore’s first Potain MCR 295 builds CapitaSpring skyscraper

The latest model in Potain’s MCR line of luffing jib cranes is helping to build one of the tallest buildings in the country’s financial district

Potain MCR 295 was one of the few units with the capacity and working height needed to complete the high-rise landmark.

Singapore construction company Dragages Singapore is using a Potain MCR 295 luffing jib tower crane to construct CapitaSpring, one of the tallest buildings in the city state’s Raffles Place district. At 280 m high, the S$1.82 billion development will feature 51 stories of Grade A office space, ancillary retail space and a serviced residence. 

Dragages Singapore leased the MCR 295, and four other Potain luffing jib cranes, from tower crane rental company Manta Equipment. The other luffing jib cranes supplied to the project are two MR 295 units and two MCR 225A machines. With the project’s tight timetable, tall building height and limited space in a congested downtown location, the MCR 295 was a perfect choice, as Julien Esch, managing director of Dragages Singapore, explained.

“There weren’t many cranes with the capacity we need plus the ability to reach the final building height in an efficient manner,” he said. “We consulted with Manta and decided the MCR 295 was the right model. Although it’s still relatively new, it has the features to meet our job site needs.” 

The crane is available in three versions, each with their own rated capacity and load chart, but each capable of working with up to 60 m of jib. The three versions – H16, H20 and H25 – have maximum capacities of 16 t, 20 t, and 25 t, and for the CapitaSpring project the contractor selected the H20 model. 

A key challenge on the project site is the lack of space, but the MCR 295 has an efficient working envelope, as Julien Esch noted.

“With the MCR 295, we were able to configure the jibs to just 40 m so the crane can operate within the tight constraints of the job site,” he said. “This definitely helps with construction. The MCR 295 is proving its worth as a world-class machine in this project. Its unparalleled adaptability and lifting ability have been crucial in keeping our job site efficient and effective.” 

“With a compact 2 m by 2 m footprint and optional Top Tracing II anti-collision system, the MCR 295 is ideal for congested urban projects,” said Suman Das, regional sales manager for tower cranes at Manitowoc. “Owners can choose from a variety of winch options too, all with Potain’s unique variable frequency drive technology that offers smooth acceleration and precise control.”

Dragages Singapore is a leading Singapore construction company that has operated in the country since 1984. It is part of the global Bouygues Construction network and has been involved in a wide range of landmark projects in the country, including the Singapore Sports Hub. 

Manta Equipment is one of Asia’s leading tower crane rental companies. It serves primarily the construction and infrastructure sectors in Hong Kong, Macau and Singapore. In Singapore the company has been leasing Potain cranes to customers for over 25 years, and today has more than 70 units in its fleet.