Modulift spreader beams lift new intercity express “bullet train” in Taiwan

Japan-based lifting gear supplier, Nakamura Industry Co. Ltd. and their customer have successfully lifted an EMU3000 train using Modulift spreader beams at Hualien Port in Taiwan.

Below-the-hook, Nakamura’s customer employed two MOD® 34 spreader beams at a span of 3.5m, providing four lifting points underneath the train to evenly distribute the weight.

The two spreader beams were attached to drop links and shackles at the end of each beam, with synthetic round slings below the beams, and wire rope slings above. This allowed the train to be safely lifted onto the vessel ready for transportation from Japan. The spreader beams were disassembled, and the same configuration used to unload the train at its destination in Taiwan, where it will serve the East Coast line.

Deliveries of the EMU3000 trains have been ongoing since 2021 by Hitachi Group, with the remainder of the trains due to be delivered and installed this year. A total of 50 12-car trains (total 600 cars) have been built for TRA (Taiwan Railways Administration), replacing 30-year-old 8-car trains. The whole project will increase passenger capacity and enable passengers to travel around the island of Taiwan in 6 hours.

Osaka-based business Nakamura Industry Co. Ltd. is a distributor of Modulift spreader beams and holds stock from 6t to 100t for fast delivery throughout Japan. They also supply a variety of products from wire rope and synthetic slings to hooks and shackles.

Sumihide Haruta, Executive Officer and General Manager, Sales Division at Nakamura Industry Co., Ltd. commented “The Modulift spreader beams' adaptable design allowed our customer to safely configure the lift for the EMU3000. These beams were transported with the train, facilitating easy disassembly, shipping, and reassembly before offloading."

Sarah Spivey, Managing Director of Modulift said “Modulift spreader beams are portable, lightweight, and easy to transport and store. They proved to be the ideal lifting solution for safely transporting the train from Japan to Taiwan. We are pleased to be part of this important project in Taiwan, contributing to the enhancement of their rail infrastructure which is due for completion this year.”

Modulift spreader beams are interchangeable enabling them to be reused over many lifts. They are lightweight and modular in design. All spreader beams in the standard range from 6t to 2000t come with DNV Type Approval.