Two new cranes have been installed on the London Eye to support the ongoing maintenance and engineering work on the iconic Thames-side tourist attraction.
The installation was carried out over five nights while the 135m-high observation wheel remained operational.
The new Hiab cranes replace the original units that had been in operation since the Eye opened in 2000.
Installed on bespoke pedestals on the north side of the wheel, with one crane positioned waterside and the other landside, the units are designed to minimise downtime and support consistent operation.
The cranes will support lifting operations, capsule maintenance and work on mechanical and electrical systems. Because much of this work is carried out at height and within restricted spaces, the cranes provide a necessary alternative to traditional access methods.
The cranes will also support the London Eye’s annual New Year’s celebrations, enabling the installation of around 2,000 fireworks directly onto the wheel.
The cranes are HIAB eX.232 HIPRO E-5 models, each fitted with personnel baskets and built to meet EN 280 standards for mobile elevating work platforms.
The project was delivered in partnership with Nick Sampson Mechanical Engineering Services, following nearly 12 months of planning and was executed using a Liebherr mobile crane. During one of the most technically demanding stages, the crane was manoeuvred through the wheel’s spokes within extremely tight tolerances, while the structure was slowly rotated into position.
The London Eye attracts around 3.5 million visitors each year.
