Cranage provider Marr Contracting has been working with the Balfour Beatty Vinci Systra Joint Venture (BBVSJV) to provide a multi-tower crane approach for the construction of HS2’s Old Oak Common station in the UK.

Marr's world largest capacity tower cranes at Old Oak Common credit John Zammit, courtesy of HS2

Source: John Zammit

Marr’s cranes at HS2’s Old Oak Common station site.

BBVSJV is utilising a design for manufacture and assembly (DfMA) approach for HS2’s Old Oak Common station. Marr Contracting developed a three-crane solution to execute various onsite works, using two of its 330-tonne capacity M2480D heavy lift luffing cranes, supported by a 96-tonne capacity M860DX.

Simon Marr, managing director at Marr Contracting, noted that the solution declutters the site and takes complexity out of cranage and construction on the project: “Essentially, the greater reach and lift capacity of the cranes means that larger and heavier pre-assembled modules can be used. This reduces the need for temporary works, working at heights and steel truss ‘splicing’, which all help to drive productivity and improve safety on the project.”

Representatives from the Australian High Commission have visited the site to see first-hand how the free trade agreement between the UK and Australia is helping deliver the new transport hub for London. Andrew Sainsbury, economic counsellor at the Australian High Commission, said: “The free trade agreement has opened new opportunities to deepen two-way trade and investment. More Australian businesses are exporting to the UK than ever before, and the stock of two-way foreign direct investment has increased to AUD366 billion (USD240.17 million) [in 2024].”

Simon Marr added: “It has made it much easier for us to do business here, particularly in terms of our ability to bid on other large-scale projects through access to UK construction frameworks.” The company has been involved with the Hinkley Point C Unit 2 Turbine Hall project, the Lostock Sustainable Energy Plant and North London Heat & Power development.

Australian High Commission visit HS2 credit Chris Dalton

Source: HS2

Left to right: Andrew Sainsbury, economic counsellor, Australian High Commission; Simon Marr, managing director, Marr Contracting; Nota Nikolakopoulou, senior package manager, BBVSJV; Steve Ryder, general manager – international, Marr Contracting; Atul Jewitt, delivery director, BBVSJV.

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