New Orient Development Ltd is developing a new residential project on Lot No. 2195 in D.D. 244, in the Ho Chung area of Sai Kung, Hong Kong. Foundation, excavation and lateral support works have been underway since December 2024 and are expected to continue until the end of 2026. Two Liebherr NC-B 12-70 tower cranes are being used to lift construction materials, ensuring a steady flow of supplies across the site.
The NC-B 12-70 belongs to Liebherr’s flat-top range, a series purpose-built for construction sites where space is at a premium. The crane achieves a maximum lifting capacity of 12 t and a maximum radius of 70 m, with a tip load of 2,000 kg at maximum jib length. Its freestanding hook height reaches up to 76.9 m. By doing away with the conventional A-frame at the tower head, the flat-top design has a lower overall height. This is a particular advantage at Ho Chung, where space is limited and residential buildings, hills and watercourses are in close proximity.
For assembly, the NC-B 12-70’s slewing part, including a 70-m jib, can be transported to the site using standard-sized containers. The crane’s LiConnect quick-connection system allows the jib to be assembled in 5-m sections, supporting an efficient set-up. At the Ho Chung project, the cranes are tasked with lifting general construction materials, keeping supplies moving across the working area throughout the foundation and excavation phases.
A key consideration for this job was how the cranes would be removed once their work is complete. Rather than undergoing a lengthy, staged dismantling process, both NC-B 12-70 cranes will be taken down using a single 100-t mobile crane. This approach shortens the dismantling period and reduces the logistical footprint on site towards the end of the project, an important factor given the proximity of existing residential developments.
The project was designed by P&T Architects Ltd. Construction Phase 1 covers a site area of 7,102 sq m and comprises 26 houses of up to three storeys, plus one basement level, with a total gross floor area of up to 5,262 sq m.
The compact dimensions and efficient operation of the NC-B 12-70 cranes support a construction process that minimises disruption to the surrounding neighbourhood while maintaining a consistent pace through to the planned completion of the foundation, excavation and soil nailing works.
