Cologne, May 2026.

WASEL is currently operating a LIEBHERR MK 140 mobile construction crane as well as, temporarily, a 70-tonne LTM 1070 telescopic mobile crane at the RheinEnergieSTADION in Cologne.

While the MK 140 is being used for the installation of solar technology, including the associated steel construction work on the stadium roof, the LTM 1070 is supporting operations in the field of energy technology.

The MK 140, in particular, is able to fully leverage its design-related advantages during the installation of the solar elements. Combining the benefits of a mobile crane and a tower crane, it offers both flexibility and fast setup or relocation times while also providing the advantages of a tower crane: it can position itself close to the stadium roof and at the same time utilize the full reach of its quickly folding jib.

Using a telescopic mobile crane with a folding jib for these operations would have been significantly slower due to the required relocations and reconfiguration processes.

One of the main challenges of this project are the match days. To ensure smooth stadium operations, all equipment and materials must be dismantled and temporarily stored at short notice. This requires flexible planning and close coordination between all parties involved.

Transport operations are supported by VIVA Verkehrsmanagement. The company is responsible for escorting the crane transports, preparing traffic restriction plans, and installing and dismantling the required traffic management measures. In addition, VIVA coordinates the use and management of the crane setup areas with the responsible authorities of the City of Cologne and handles the installation, relocation, and removal of the required traffic restrictions on site.

Many thanks to VIVA Verkehrsmanagement for the strong cooperation on this demanding project.