Sarens has undertaken an integral role in the Shell Polaris CCS project at the Scotford location, contributing to a critical component of the new carbon capture and storage infrastructure. This project aims to help reduce emissions, aligning with the global push for greener technologies.

The project, which officially started in October of 2024, involved heavy haul / lift operations, including the transportation and installation of an Amine Absorber, an Amine Stripper, and a Quench Tower. Sarens was chosen for this task due to our strong proposal and previous successful collaborations with Shell.

The planning phase of the project was thorough, addressing several key logistical challenges, including de-energising transmission lines, removing railway arms, and evaluating bridge capacities to ensure safe passage of the equipment. Extensive preparations were necessary, particularly around the removal and lifting of overhead power lines, which required 45 days’ notice.

Sarens deployed two Kamag K25 platform trailers with bolsters consisting of 56 axle lines total, carefully selected for their load capacity and capability over public roadways. The equipment performed exceptionally, both in appearance and functionality, during the eight-hour transport via local highways. The heaviest component, weighing 866.000,00 lbs, was meticulously transported, navigating tight corners, railway crossings, and power lines, all while adhering to Alberta Transportation regulations.

The transportation involved an experienced crew of eight members, working under the guidance of our Transport Manager Phil Wiebe, Project Manager Paul Betts, and our well-seasoned engineering team. Sarens also collaborated closely with Alberta Transportation to ensure all load requirements were met. Throughout the project, the team faced challenges related to confined spaces and load capacity, but the professionalism and expertise of the crew ensured smooth operations.

The heavy lifting unfolded over an eight-day campaign, during which the three massive columns were expertly set in place. Among them, the Amine Absorber—towering at nearly 235 feet—now stands as the tallest structure on site. This feat was accomplished using our CC6800 crane, supported by a CC2800 as the tail crane. Both the Amine Stripper and Quench Tower required precise on-site transportation, for which Sarens deployed a fleet of 24 lines of K24 SPMTs. These transport units ensured a safe and efficient operation, meeting the highest standards of performance. Despite the rather frigid conditions, our crane operators and supervision team delivered exceptional results, completing the job safely and seamlessly.

Sarens continues to demonstrate its expertise in managing complex heavy haul and installation projects. The Shell Polaris CCS project stands as another testament to our ability to deliver on challenging tasks while contributing to significant environmental initiatives like carbon capture. With Sarens at the helm of logistics, transport and heavy lifting, the project is on track for timely completion, and its benefits to both the local community and the environment are clear. For more information, watch this video.