The second World Crane and Transport Summit was held in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, on 10 and 11 November 2011 to great acclaim.

More than 300 industry professionals gathered at Amsterdam’s Hotel Krasnapolsky for the two day conference and networking dinner. It was an outstanding success, for attendees and sponsors alike.

The event, held bi-annually, offered presentations and debate on the key issues facing the worldwide crane and transport industry. Speakers included Joel Dandrea, executive vice president, Specialized Carriers & Rigging Association (SC&RA) and Christian-Jacques Vernazza, president and chief executive of Mediaco and the president of the European Association of Abnormal Road Transport and Mobile Cranes (ESTA), among many others.

Talk centred on the world economy and the importance of global partnerships to achieve common requirements in lifting and transport activities, particularly from a safety point of view.

Among a range of agreements and plans was ESTA’s announcement of a global best practice guide for the use of self propelled modular transporter (SPMT). It is the first standard to be written for this equipment. ESTA and FEM also confirmed that their joint work at height working group could result in a FEM standard by the end of next year.

The EN 13000 European standard governing rated capacity limiters and other elements of new mobile cranes was another major topic discussed and it became apparent that the demand from the USA for override keys to be included in the crane cab is gaining support worldwide.

Training and certification were also high on the agenda, especially in light of a global shortage of good skilled people with experience.

In addition, major Chinese manufacturers provided insights into their ambitions and capabilities domestically and internationally.

A full round up of the event appears in the December issue of International Cranes and Specialized Transport magazine.

The World Crane and Transport Summit is an exciting networking, business information and social event for the leaders of the world crane and specialized transport industries, their suppliers and manufacturers. WCTS is supported by the world’s leading crane and transport associations, equipment manufacturers and rental companies. It is organised by International Cranes and Specialized Transport magazine and its publisher KHL Group.