In a significant project that has restored a critical infrastructure element, Sarens successfully completed the transport and installation of the Buda Bridge in Brussels. This crucial bridge, originally inaugurated in 1955, had suffered severe damage from a ship accident in 2022, leading to substantial disruptions in road and waterway traffic and economic losses in the region.

Sarens, the global leader in crane rental services, heavy lifting, and engineered transport, partnered with HYE and the operational teams of the Port of Brussels to execute the complex logistics required for the bridge’s restoration. The operation took place in two part that involved the use of the Josef-Rosa twin barge, the Karel-Viktor twin barge, 16 axle lines of Self-Propelled Modular Transporters (SPMTs), and a sophisticated jacking system to remove the entire bridge, and lift and position the new bridge structure accurately.

The Buda Bridge, a vital traffic artery for Brussels, Antwerp, and Charleroi, was closed immediately following the damage to prevent a potential collapse. The restoration work, initiated in January 2023, began with the removal of the damaged bridge deck by Josef-Rosa twin barge. After extensive repairs, Sarens and HYE transported the newly restored structure, measuring 40 by 14 meters and weighing 290 tonnes, from HYE's facilities in Zwijndrecht to Temse using the Karel-Viktor barge. 

On-site, Sarens deployed SPMTs to manipulate the bridge on the barge, shifting it by 90° in order for it to fit, and a jacking system to lift and secure the bridge into its final position. This meticulous operation ensured the bridge was installed safely and efficiently, allowing the resumption of both road and waterway traffic.

The Brussels Port Authority mandated a thorough restoration to preserve the bridge’s historical design, replacing over three thousand rivets individually and updating the bridge deck to withstand modern traffic demands. Additionally, all machinery was inspected, refurbished, and adapted to the new bridge deck to ensure durability and functionality.

Sarens’ expertise in managing such complex projects has been demonstrated in various other significant undertakings. Recent notable projects include the renovation of the century-old Colbert Bridge in Dieppe, France, the installation of the OA14 bridge in Bettembourg, Luxembourg, a pedestrian bridge at Hazebrouck railway station in France, an 8.400-tonne railway bridge on the A1 motorway in Amsterdam, and the replacement of a railway bridge in Stockholm using the "floatover" method.

Through these projects, Sarens continues to reinforce its position as a strategic partner in the engineering and construction of critical infrastructure worldwide.