Chioggia, 13 December 2025 — The lifting and erection of the main girder of the first 800-ton rail-mounted Goliath crane under construction at the Port of Chioggia will be completed today. Reaching a height of nearly 110 metres, this step marks the conclusion of a crucial technical phase of an extraordinary international project, led by Cimolai Technology. The first crane will be fully assembled by the end of December 2025, while the erection and assembly of the second crane will be completed by spring 2026. Two separate barge load-outs—one for each crane—are scheduled for summer 2026.
Cimolai Technology, a global leader in the design and construction of custom lifting and handling systems, is responsible for the engineering, manufacturing, and delivery of two rail-mounted Goliath cranes dedicated to heavy naval lifting operations. The project stands out for its unprecedented engineering and logistical complexity. Each crane will reach a total height of 110 metres with a span of 118 metres. Designed to operate independently or in tandem, the two units will be capable of lifting up to 1,600 tonnes when operating together, providing exceptional operational flexibility.
One of the most innovative aspects of the project is the delivery method. The two cranes—fully assembled, tested, and ready for operation—will be transported by sea on a special barge, ensuring full continuity of operations at the final client’s shipyard site.
The entire assembly process has taken place at Cimolai Technology’s Chioggia facility, located within the Porto Val da Rio port area. From there, the structures will be shipped directly to their final destination in Monfalcone, near Trieste.
The project has been made possible through the synergistic work of the companies within the Cimolai Technology Group. ACCS – Armando Cimolai Centro Servizi is responsible for the production of the structural components, while Cimolai Technology oversees the design, construction, and testing of the cranes. The Val da Rio logistics and production area serves as a strategic hub for pre-assembly, testing, and shipment.
The Chioggia site represents a successful model of collaboration between industry and the local community. The facility covers more than 45,000 square metres within the Val da Rio port area, designated—under the Port Master Plan—for for productive functions linked to port operations. Activities are carried out in close coordination with local institutions and the North Adriatic Sea Port Authority (AdSP MAS), demonstrating how cooperation between public and private sectors is vital for the success of strategic projects at both national and international levels.
The completion of the lifting of the first crane marks a key milestone in a project that will strengthen the role of the Port of Chioggia in the special industrial cargo segment and further consolidate Cimolai Technology’s position as a global leader in heavy lifting.
Roberto Cimolai, CEO of the Cimolai Technology Group, expressed his satisfaction: “The completion of the lifting of the first crane’s main girder represents a symbolic goal of Cimolai Technology’s innovative capabilities. It is the result of outstanding teamwork combining engineering excellence, cutting-edge technology, and top-level logistical organization.”
Matteo Gasparato, President of AdSP MAS reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to Chioggia: “Today’s operation highlights the yet untapped potential of this port, which is why, during my term of office, I intend to ensure dedicated attention to Chioggia. Maintenance dredging of 250,000 cubic metres has already been planned for Val da Rio to improve nautical accessibility. Moreover, I am committed to ensuring a constant institutional presence in the area: in 2026, a permanent AdSP office will be opened in the city. This initiative aims to establish a more direct, daily relationship with operators, institutions, and the local community, overcoming any perception of marginality.”
