Construction is underway on the Zhoushan Taoyaomen Bridge in China, which is expected to become the world’s longest-span, road-rail cable-stayed hybrid girder bridge upon completion.

The crossing is a key component of the Ningbo-Zhoushan Railway, connecting Fuchi and Cezi islands and supporting China’s “Eight Vertical and Eight Horizontal” high-speed rail network, according to a press release.

To address the project’s demanding marine environment, the contractor, China Railway Construction Bridge Engineering Bureau Group, selected Potain MCT 385 topless tower cranes. The cranes were chosen for their lifting capacity, stability, height capabilities and reduced tie-in requirements.

“On a key project like the Taoyaomen Bridge, crane reliability and efficiency are critical,” said Leo Qian, marketing manager for Manitowoc China. “The Potain MCT 385 design aligns well with the project’s requirements, particularly by reducing the number of structural ties and improving efficiency on site.”

The two MCT 385 cranes, owned by Guizhou Shengyongsheng, were installed with minimal site requirements and provide the capacity and control needed to manage heavy lifts throughout construction. Crews have access to parts, service and training support through Potain’s facility in Zhangjiagang.

The Zhoushan Taoyaomen Bridge will feature a 666-meter (2,185-foot) main span. Construction began in January 2025 and is scheduled for completion in August.

The MCT 385 crane has been deployed on other complex infrastructure projects, including the Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge in China—which Manitowoc’s website describes as  “one of the most challenging environments imaginable”— and the tallest cable stayed road bridge in India.

Potain has continued to expand the crane’s capabilities through updates to its Asian tower crane lineup.  The MCT 385A L20 variant offers a maximum lifting capacity of 20 metric tons and can lift 3.4 metric tons at the end of its 75-meter (246-foot) jib.