Firm with Dudley base installs new cranes on one of world’s most recognisable landmarks

A business with a Black Country presence has installed a brace of new cranes at a famous landmark in the capital.

Hiab, which has a base in Netherton, Dudley, has completed the project at the London Eye next to the River Thames.

The installation was carried out over a five-day period, with all work completed overnight so the London Eye could remain fully operational.

The upgrade marks a key milestone in the ongoing maintenance and future-proofing of the observation wheel that stands 135 metres above the city and attracts around 3.5 million visitors per year.

The new cranes replace the original Hiab units that had been in operation since the attraction opened in 2000.

Installed on bespoke pedestals on the north side of the wheel, with one crane positioned waterside and the other landside, the new units are designed to minimise downtime and support consistent operation in a demanding environment.

The HIAB cranes will play a central role in supporting engineering activity across the structure, from lifting and positioning heavy components to assisting with capsule maintenance and work on mechanical and electrical systems.

Because much of this work is carried out at height and within restricted spaces, these cranes provide a necessary alternative to traditional access methods.

The cranes also support the London Eye's annual New Year's Eve celebrations, enabling the installation of around 2,000 fireworks directly onto the wheel.

John Abbott, sales executive at Hiab, said: "They provide a fully certified solution, combining advanced control systems with built-in redundancy.

"This enables smooth, coordinated operation and gives engineers a reliable system to carry out their work with confidence."

Paul Dalton, head of technical services at The London Eye, added: "The cranes give our engineers the flexibility and control needed to maintain the structure and ensure a world-class experience for visitors."

Delivered in partnership with Nick Sampson Mechanical Engineering Services, the project followed nearly 12 months of planning and was executed using a Liebherr mobile crane.