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A Belgian heavy-lifting specialist company has revealed when it expects the world's biggest crane will arrive in Somerset.

The SGC 250, developed by Sarens, is described by the company as "the largest in its fleet and the mightiest in the world in both size and capacity" and will be used at Hinkley Point C near Bridgwater.

The gigantic crane was unveiled to spectators on November 9 and 10 in the Port of Ghent which saw a demonstration of its slewing and hoisting capability.

(Image: Sarens)

The monstrous crane has a maximum load moment of 250,000 tonne-metres and can lift an astounding 5,000 tonnes.

It also has a maximum boom length of 160 metres, and will travel along six kilometres of rail that is being laid for it at the nuclear power plant site.

A spokesman for Sarens expects the SGC-250 will be "vital" to Hinkley Point C's construction and other nuclear power plant developments.

He also able to reveal when the crane will move to Somerset, stating: "In 2019, the SGC-250 crane will move to Hinkley Point C for about four years.

(Image: Sarens)

"There, it will perform all heavy lifts in the construction of this new nuclear power plant.

"Its unique on-site relocation system will also be used there, since the crane will need to lift from three different positions."

Watch the video below, published on Saren's Facebook page, to see the scale of the crane.

The SGC 250 will be mobilised overland from Ghent in Belgium to a nearby lay down yard before it is shuttled to Somerset on hundreds of separate trucks.

An estimated 280 trucks will be required to deliver the entire crane.

(Image: Sarens)

The gigantic crane will be operated by a team of specially trained riggers and crane operators.

What is Hinkley Point C? The site has been described as "the first in a new generation of nuclear power stations in the UK" and is due to be complete in 2025. The twin-reactor station will eventually deliver low-carbon power to some six million homes and will create an estimated 25,000 employment opportunities. The planned twin unit UK EPR will be capable of generating 3,260MW of secure, low carbon electricity for 60 years. When completed, the plant will meet about seven per cent of the UK's electricity needs. The power station will be the most expensive man-made object on Earth when it is finished.

A Sarens spokesman added: "Once on site, the SGC 250 may need to perform lifts at night, using an anti-collision system.

"This would be done to minimize disruption during the day, when 52 tower cranes will be operating at the work site.

"With everything in place, the SGC 250 will begin performing various lifts ranging from 50t to 1.150t or more.

"It will pick up and install prefab concrete elements, steel structures, and reactor equipment directly from each prefabrication position."

Got a Bridgwater or West Somerset story to share ? Email me at michael.taylor@reachplc.com or call 01935 709742.

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