International Tower Cranes success

More than 150 leading tower crane experts gathered in London last week (12 May) for the launch of International Tower Cranes 2011, the first-ever global tower crane conference and networking dinner.

Organised by International Cranes and Specialized Transport, and its publisher KHL Group, delegates attended from more than 50 companies and 17 countries. They represented some of the biggest rental and contracting companies in the sector, including Arcomet, Morrow, BAM, Lend Lease, Cranes Inc, London Tower Cranes, Van der Spek and Select.

Countries inside and outside Europe were well represented, with delegates travelling to London from Australia, Brazil, China, India, Japan and the USA. One delegate commented, "The information discussed was outstanding, the speakers were beyond belief... This was well worth the expense."

The conference was developed as a top-level information and social event for leaders and senior managers of tower crane users, their suppliers and manufacturers. Presentations focused on best practice worldwide, safety and the development of common international standards, regulations and work practices.

The conference also received strong support from the UK Construction Plant-hire Association and its respected Tower Crane Interest Group, which used the event to launch a report and guidelines on the climbing, or jumping, of tower cranes.

Presentations on counterfeit parts, tower crane regulation in the USA, and safety requirements from a contractor's point of view were particularly well-received. Other topics covered included, causes of accidents, the development of EN 14439 and global market trends.

The conference's gold sponsors were Liebherr, Terex and Zoomlion. Silver sponsor was Jing Long Engineering Machinery Company Limited (GJJ), and supporting sponsors were Baoda, Morrow Equipment and Radius Crane Management.

For more details of the event, a photo gallery, and to view presentations from the first KHL International Tower Cranes conference see www.khl.com/itc