Two Potains assist on Zhoushan Taoyaomen Bridge

The Zhoushan Taoyaomen Bridge in China is getting a construction assist from two Potain topless cranes owned by Guizhou Shengyongsheng.

Two Potain MCT 385 cranes support construction of the worlds longest-span road rail bridge.

The precise load handling of the Potain MCT 385 cranes ensures smooth operations during the construction of the bridge’s main pylons, Manitowoc said. The cranes are working on a critical section of the Ningbo-Zhoushan Railway, part of the country’s “Eight Vertical and Eight Horizontal” high-speed rail network. When complete, the bridge will be the world’s longest-span, road-rail, cable-stayed hybrid-girder bridge.

China Railway Construction Bridge Engineering Bureau Group (CRBBG) is leading construction in a challenging marine environment, with demanding height and load requirements. The cranes were selected for their ability to provide stable performance and reliable lifting, according to a Manitowoc press release.

The MCT 385 cranes were simple and efficient to install on site, helping reduce overall construction costs, Manitowoc said. On-site, they deliver the capacity and control needed for the precise handling of heavy loads. Customer support, including parts, service, and training, is provided through the Potain facility in Zhangjiagang, China, which recently celebrated 30 years of production.

The Zhoushan Taoyaomen Bridge will connect Fuchi Island and Cezi Island, and feature a 666 meter main span. Pylon construction began in January 2025, with completion scheduled for August 2026.

The MCT 385 was previously featured on other major infrastructure projects, including the Huajiang Canyon Bridge in China and a record-breaking bridge project in India, demonstrating its suitability for complex, high-rise applications.

“On a key project like the Taoyaomen Bridge, crane reliability and efficiency are critical,” said said Leo Qian, marketing manager for Manitowoc China. “The Potain MCT 385 design aligns well with the project’s requirements, particularly by reducing the number of structural ties and improving efficiency on site.”

The MCT 385 has now been updated in the Potain Asian tower crane line with the MCT 385A L20, which includes several updates over the original, including a maximum capacity of 20 tons or 3.4 tons at the end of the maximum 75 meter jib.