Tadano and Mammoet Remove Rabobank Signage from Rotterdam’s Euromast
At a vertigo-inducing 174 metres above Rotterdam, the city’s skyline changed once again as Mammoet Nederland undertook the complex task of removing Rabobank’s iconic signage from the Euromast observation tower.
For over a decade, the three eight-metre-tall illuminated logos had been a familiar sight since their installation in 2009. But when the bank’s advertising contract with Euromast expired, it was time for the symbols to come down, a task that demanded both engineering excellence and surgical precision.
The crane service provider chosen for the operation, Mammoet, turned to one of its most reliable giants, the Tadano CC 38.650-1 lattice boom crawler crane. Known for its incredible reach and compact power, it proved the perfect choice for the challenging environment around Rotterdam’s Het Park.
Mammoet Nederland Project Manager Stefan Plugge explained the decision: “There were two main reasons why we decided on the CC 38.650-1 for this unusual job: First, it would make the required height of 174 metres a breeze to handle. Second, the crane’s compact design meant that it would be able to manoeuvre without issue despite cramped conditions at the site.”
A Colossal Lift in Tight Quarters
Transporting the Tadano CC 38.650-1 from Mammoet’s nearby Schiedam branch required meticulous coordination. Though only a few kilometres away, the machine’s size necessitated 38 separate transports. Each boom and jib section had to be delivered individually due to severe space constraints at the site. Adding to the challenge, the auxiliary crane had to be positioned in front of the CC 38.650-1 rather than beside it, an unconventional setup dictated by the limited work area.
The Euromast, standing 185 metres tall, left little room for error. Every piece of equipment had to arrive precisely when needed. There was no available space for staging components, meaning that Mammoet’s logistics had to operate with clockwork accuracy.
Just-in-Time Precision Logistics
Coordinating heavy lift operations in confined spaces is nothing new for Mammoet, whose expertise has been honed across decades of global mega-projects. Yet even for their seasoned team, this job called for impeccable timing. Every truckload carrying sections of the crane arrived just in time for assembly, ensuring the site remained clear and compliant with strict safety standards.
Despite the constraints, the five-strong assembly crew completed the crane’s setup in only four days. The boom assembly, however, was delayed until day five due to high winds, a reminder that, at such heights, even minor weather changes can halt operations. Once conditions stabilised, the CC 38.650-1 was configured with an SWSL 96-96 setup and a 250-tonne counterweight. During the actual lifts, the crane operated efficiently without the superlift system, managing with 215 tonnes of counterweight to safely lift the 1.8-tonne signs.
Dancing Between a Tree and a Lamppost
While the loads were relatively light, the real challenge was manoeuvrability. The team had to navigate two immovable obstacles, a tree and a lamppost, that narrowed the available slewing radius. The Euromast’s immediate surroundings provided no ideal crane position for a direct swing between pick-up and placement points.
Mammoet Supervisor Lex Bosman described the situation: “There was simply no crane position that would allow us to swivel from the place where we picked up the loads to the place where we set them down at a radius of 45 metres, so we had to continuously switch back and forth between swinging the loads and moving the crane.”
The Tadano CC 38.650-1’s compact design and fine control systems proved critical, allowing the operator to move seamlessly between the obstructions without even grazing them. Each lift required a delicate balance of precision and patience, as the logos were detached from the Euromast and lowered to the ground in sections.
Completing the Mission with Perfect Timing
Every lift took place between 6:00 AM and 10:00 AM to minimise public disruption. Within that narrow window, the Mammoet crew managed to remove all three logos safely and without incident. By mid-morning, Rotterdam’s skyline had changed once again, the Euromast restored to its original form and reopened to visitors on schedule.
After disassembly began, four more days were needed to fully remove the crane and equipment from the site. When the last transport departed, the operation was deemed a complete success by everyone involved.
The spaces left behind on the Euromast now await new advertising partners, but one thing is certain: when the next installation or removal comes along, Rotterdam knows exactly who to call.
Engineering Mastery Behind the Scenes
Mammoet’s ability to deliver such a complex project lies in its global expertise in heavy lifting and engineered transport. The company’s slogan, Smarter, Safer, Stronger, isn’t just marketing; it’s a reflection of its operational philosophy. Each project, regardless of scale, is approached with detailed planning and precise execution.
The Tadano CC 38.650-1, one of the stars of Tadano’s crawler crane range, was designed for exactly this kind of demanding work. Capable of lifting over 650 tonnes and reaching extreme heights with pinpoint control, the model embodies the blend of brute strength and fine engineering that defines modern lifting technology.
Tadano’s cranes are also known for their modular design, allowing rapid assembly and disassembly on-site, a crucial advantage for urban jobs where time and space are luxuries. The CC 38.650-1’s performance on the Euromast project further reinforces its reputation as one of the most versatile lattice boom crawlers in its class.
The Human Factor in Heavy Lifting
Behind every successful heavy lift lies a coordinated team effort, combining engineering acumen with practical know-how. Mammoet’s technicians and crane operators, often working under intense pressure and strict safety protocols, represent the backbone of such projects.
The Euromast lift highlighted this synergy between human skill and mechanical precision. Each step, from logistics to assembly to lift execution, required close communication and shared situational awareness. When weather delays or spatial limitations threatened to complicate the job, the team adapted seamlessly.
Mammoet’s Global Reach and Expertise
Headquartered in Schiedam, Mammoet Nederland is part of a global network that spans every major continent. The company employs around 7,000 specialists worldwide, delivering heavy lifting and engineered transport solutions across industries such as energy, wind power, infrastructure, industrial facilities, and power generation.
In Europe, its operations extend beyond the Netherlands, with key bases in Germany, including Ludwigshafen and Leuna. Across the globe, from South Africa to the Middle East, and from the Americas to East Asia, Mammoet’s name is synonymous with precision lifting under the most demanding conditions.
Setting the Standard for Urban Engineering
The Euromast signage removal may not have been the largest lift Mammoet has ever undertaken, but it showcased the company’s ability to combine heavy-duty equipment with agile problem-solving. The blend of Tadano’s cutting-edge crane technology and Mammoet’s project management expertise delivered an outcome that was as elegant as it was efficient.
For Rotterdam’s residents, the operation may have seemed like a simple logo removal. For those within the construction and engineering sectors, however, it was a masterclass in coordination, safety, and precision.
A Tower Ready for New Beginnings
With the Rabobank signage now part of history, the Euromast once again stands unbranded against the Rotterdam skyline, a reminder of the city’s ever-evolving character. The tower, originally built in 1960 and expanded in the 1970s, remains a symbol of Dutch innovation and architectural pride.
Should a new partner decide to adorn its pinnacle with fresh branding, there’s little doubt that Mammoet’s name will feature in the plans. As proven on this project, when the task demands elevation, accuracy, and absolute control, few can rise to the challenge like Mammoet and Tadano.
