Second World Crane Championship Finals Slated for IAA Exhibition in September

July 27, 2016 - Hiab, part of Cargotec, is preparing for the second-ever World Crane Championship finals, which will be held Sept. 25 at the IAA Exhibition in Hanover, Germany.

"The World Crane Championship is back, bigger than ever. Hundreds of skilled operators have been taking part in the qualification rounds around the world. I expect the finals to be very tough," said Sebastian Poccard, Hiab's senior vice president for sales & service.

Qualification rounds are going on to determine best crane operators from 16 different countries. From each country, one finalist will got to the finals. Contestants maneuver a HIAB crane equipped with the HiPro steering system through a series of obstacles, trying to arrive at a best possible time. In Hanover, finalists operate a HIAB X-HiPro 232, which will be launched during the IAA Exhibition. The winner of the finals takes away a €5,000 travel cheque, €20,000 towards the purchase of a new HIAB crane, and the title of World Crane Champion 2016.

Tim Hansen, who is representing Denmark, has already broken World Crane Championship 2015  winner Johnny Jensen's record at the qualifications with his time 1.36 minutes. He is only 25 years old, but as a son of a carrier, he has been close to cranes all his life.

"I can't wait for the finals! I have been running my one-man company Tim S. Hansen ApS since 2010, and it would be great to win to get a new HIAB crane," said Hansen.

Robert Zamprogno from Rega Constructions comes to the finals all the way from Australia. "The track was difficult when managing precision and time set by other competitors," he said. "The atmosphere at the qualifications was intense, competitors were all great drivers - managing the atmosphere and pressure was the key to winning."

Guido Beaujean from H.J Beaujean B.V. represents the Netherlands in the finals for the second time. He took fourth place at the first World Crane Championships in 2015.

"Eight years ago I quit as a crane driver, and I took over our family business. Still, every day it tickles me to go on the road with a crane," says Beaujean. "I'm hoping to do better in the finals this year, and wish everyone the best of luck and that they enjoy this fantastic experience!"