General Construction Company (GCC) is working on a stunning development in Dubai, a project in which they chose Terex Cranes to assist them with. 14 Terex Luffing Jib Tower Cranes, as models CTL140-10 and CTL260-18, were selected for this massive undertaking.

Jewel of the Creek is a 1 million sqm mixed use development in the Port Saeed area of Deira occupying a strategic location at the north shore of Dubai Creek. The project incorporates a mix of residential, commercial, hospitality and recreational use and will transform this location to a vibrant urban centre and the prominent landmark in the heart of Dubai.

17 high-rise buildings hosting apartments, hotels and offices. There will also be a large space for leisure with event halls, ports and recreation centre, and the longest swimming pool in Dubai.

The complex rises partially on land, and partially on a man-made island with an inner creek with a promenade, with a waterfront promenade and marina on the Creekside.

Jewel of the Creek is being developed by Dubai International Real Estate and designed by Kling Consult in a joint venture with another German architect, Kieferle & Partner. GCC – General Construction Company is building the complex, with the help of a total of 16 Terex Tower Cranes.

There were a number of challenges that were identified for this project, there was the incredibly humid and hot climate of Dubai with temperatures reaching almost 51 degrees. However this, according to GCC, was not an issue for the Terex Cranes and they handled this without any issues. Another complicated issue was the jobsite location. Part of this project was constructing the basement areas, it proved difficult, due to the confined space, to move the cranes from place to place as the project moved forward.

Emam Al Sayed, Head of Mechanical Dept at GCC had this to say about the project, and why Terex Tower Cranes were the obvious choice. “All the cranes are of luffing jib type, from CTL 140-10 with its 10 ton capacity, to the CTL 260-18 with its 18 ton capacity, they are the ideal solution thanks to their high strength capacity, short counterjib , and versatility which allows them to be assembled in a small area which was necessary on this site with such cramped areas of operation.

These cranes are very versatile”, continues Al Sayed, “and with quite light components so you can use a small crane for installation. They have a short counterjib helping in manoeuvrability. To manage the activity of so many cranes in a restricted area, the anti-collision system AMCS installed on the cranes helps to control the movement of each crane in relation with the others.

The cranes are installed mainly free standing with tower heights up to 110m or with in-shaft installation and feature at least a 50m jib.

We are happy with Terex luffing jib tower cranes, you always know you can trust in them. They have zero breakdowns, they work hard 24/7 with high efficiency, and have very comfortable cabs. Here the weather is very hot and humid and can reach up to 51 degrees, but the Terex cranes continued to work perfectly regardless.

GCC is using Terex cranes for a long time, we know the cranes’ every detail and we are totally able to handle the crane erection ourselves now. But when needed, we receive great, punctual support from the Terex Service Team.”

Alongside the knowledge of the GCC team and expert assistance of the Terex Crane team, the crane selection was essential to get right. There were a number of huge benefits, Emam Al Sayed explained that, “The fact that once we had assembled the first crane we could then easily install and dismantle any other cranes was a time saving benefit we found very helpful. The cranes high speed 67kW option helped with time management, and the short counter jib helped with manoeuvrability in the more confined spaces we had to deal with on this project. The lightweight, premium quality components of even the larger cranes gave us the option of using a smaller crane for installation.”

This project would not have been possible without the close relationship that Terex Tower Cranes and GCC have. It is a relationship forged over time and one that has helped to secure the opportunity to work on a project as huge as this involving so many Terex Tower Cranes, Rashad Haweeleh, Area Sales Manager for Terex Tower Cranes in the Middle East gave us some more insight into GCC, “GCC General Construction Company LLC is an excellent partner. It’s one of UAE’s most reputable construction companies, as a reflection of the strong relationships they have forged over the years and their personalised approach to client service. They are involved in the most prestigious projects in the UAE and they manage them with great professionality and deep technical and managerial knowledge.”