OREANDA-NEWS. September 1, 2009. The Automobile Transport Department of TITAN-2 holding has conducted a start-up test of new POTAIN crane for Leningrad Nuclear Power Plant-2 (the highest and the most powerful of the three cranes use at the construction site).

The preparatory work was started in June 2009. The mounting of the crane was started in early Aug. The operation has been carried out in cooperation with specialists of "Manitowoc Crane Group."

The crane has quite impressive parameters: it is as tall as an 18-storied building, the radius is 70 meters, the weight lifting capacity – 40 tons. The crane will be used in the construction of the turbine building – one of the key facilities of the 1st unit. The system can carry 20 tons at a speed of 46 meters a minute. The crane costs almost 1mln EUR. 

Director General of Automobile Transport Department Vladimir Sadovsky said that the use of Potain cranes – generally known for their high efficiency – would help TITAN-2 to enhance the safety of its work at the construction site of Leningrad NPP-2.

The test has shown that the crane is ready for operation. After an inspection by representatives of Rostekhnadzorm, the system will be put into service.