On August 28th, the world's first ring crane with the highest tonnage capacity made its debut at the XCMG intelligent manufacturing base for lifting equipment. This machine boasts a maximum lifting capacity of 14,000 tons and a maximum lifting torque exceeding 700,000 ton-meters, reaching the highest industry standards in both categories and achieving globally leading performance across multiple core metrics. Jointly developed by XCMG and Sinopec Lifting Company, the equipment can complete all module hoisting operations for the "Hualong One 2.0" nuclear power dual-island project with a single positioning and a single boom configuration, marking China as the first country in the world with the autonomous capability for integrated hoisting of all modules in this type of nuclear power plant.

What exactly does 700,000 ton-meters signify? A recent visit to XCMG revealed the hardcore specifications behind this massive machinery. The 700,000 ton-meter rating represents comprehensive capability rather than just raw lifting power. Many people's initial reaction to "700,000 ton-meters" is to wonder whether it means the crane can lift 700,000 tons directly. In reality, 14,000 tons refers to the maximum lifting weight, while 700,000 ton-meters represents the combined lifting capability formed by both the lifting weight and the working radius. To put this into more relatable terms: at a 1-meter radius, it theoretically corresponds to a lifting torque of 700,000 tons; at a 35-meter radius, the lifting capacity can reach 20,000 tons; and even at a 50-meter operating radius, it can still handle 14,000 tons. This means that when faced with large nuclear power modules, petrochemical towers, and ultra-large marine engineering structures, the crane can not only lift heavy objects but also maintain sufficiently powerful lifting capability across a larger operating radius. A true heavy-lift crane isn't just about how much weight it can lift, but whether it can continue lifting effectively from greater distances.

What practical problems does 700,000 ton-meters ultimately solve? In large-scale nuclear power construction, module weights and dimensions continue to grow, while construction sites and working spaces remain relatively constrained. The real challenge isn't just lifting heavy objects, but completing more module hoisting operations with broader coverage within limited site areas. To address this need, the XCMG 14,000-ton ring crane utilizes a 124-meter plus 83-meter ultra-long boom combination to meet the module hoisting requirements of the "Hualong One 2.0" dual-core nuclear island project, while its modular design enables capability expansion with a maximum lifting torque exceeding 700,000 ton-meters. This means the equipment isn't just about having sufficient tonnage, but can also reach further, cover more area, and adapt to more working conditions. Through modular design, the same base platform can be expanded into five different load-bearing configurations and supports multiple operating modes including ring-track and straight-track, increasing model adaptability by 700%.

Behind the 700,000 ton-meter achievement lies not merely an improvement in a single metric, but a coordinated breakthrough across multiple systems including the entire machine structure, power, control, and intelligent sensing. In terms of power, the equipment employs new energy electric direct-drive technology, achieving over 30% comprehensive energy savings and a 25% improvement in operational efficiency. Regarding stability, it can operate in wind speeds of up to 14 m/s during operation, and withstand wind speeds of up to 50 m/s with the boom raised in non-operating conditions. On the intelligence front, the equipment integrates digital twin technology, AI vision, and LiDAR to enable dynamic early warning and collision avoidance across a 200-meter-level three-dimensional working space. Therefore, what 700,000 ton-meters truly delivers is a capability leap for ultra-large lifting equipment, moving from simply "lifting heavy loads" to "lifting heavy loads while reaching further, covering more area, and adapting better," providing more flexible and efficient equipment solutions for large-scale modular construction in nuclear power, petrochemical, and marine engineering sectors.

As nuclear power, petrochemical, and marine engineering projects continue toward larger scale and modularization, lifting equipment is evolving away from purely pursuing greater tonnage toward upgrading across "larger tonnage, greater reach, higher efficiency, and stronger adaptability." From developing China's first truck crane in 1963, to the 4,000-ton "World's No.1 Lift," and now to the world's first 14,000-ton ring crane, XCMG has continuously pushed the technological boundaries of ultra-large lifting equipment. The 14,000-ton rating marks a new height in tonnage, while 700,000 ton-meters establishes a new benchmark in comprehensive lifting capability. This represents not just a breakthrough in equipment parameters, but a continuous elevation of China's independent innovation capabilities in ultra-large lifting machinery. Su Zimeng, President of China Construction Machinery Association, noted that this equipment achieves full-chain independent control from design and manufacturing to application, providing important guarantees for the safety and autonomy of major engineering construction projects. Additionally, by implementing new processes and construction methods, it will strengthen Chinese enterprises' voice in relevant standards and industry rules, exporting the "China Solution" for heavy lifting to the global market.