Situated in one of the most remote and logistically challenging regions of the Kingdom, this project exemplifies the convergence of cutting-edge technology, architectural innovation, and sustainable construction practices. At the heart of its construction is Spider Plus, a company whose specialised equipment and expertise have proven pivotal in overcoming the immense challenges posed by this ambitious project. Working alongside Reem Emirates, Spider Plus and its machines have played a critical role in turning this vision into reality.
CMME joined the Spider Plus team on-site to witness their machinery in action and gain insights into the collaborative efforts shaping this world-class gateway to the Red Sea.
The Machinery Driving Progress Spider Plus’s contributions to the Red Sea International Airport centre on their deployment of highly specialised lifting equipment, including advanced spider cranes, spider lifts, vacuum lifters, and precision manipulators. These machines are specifically designed to address the demands of high-stakes construction in environments where conventional lifting solutions are impractical.
Among the standout cranes in Spider Plus’s fleet is the UNIC URW-376, renowned for its compactness and versatility. With a lifting capacity of 2.9 tonnes at 2.5 metres, a maximum lifting height of 14.9 metres, and a width of just 700mm, this crane is ideal for navigating the airport’s tight spaces. For larger-scale tasks, the UNIC URW-546 offers a lifting capacity of 4.0 tonnes at 2.5 metres and a maximum height of 16 metres.
During the site visit, CMME observed the UNIC URW-706, which excels in confined areas. With a lifting capacity of 6 tonnes at 3 metres and a maximum height of 19.5 metres, it has been instrumental in handling heavier components of the project. Meanwhile, the DT30 Spider Lift, equipped with a 30.2-metre working height and a 15.5-metre horizontal reach, has provided the range and manoeuvrability required for elevated tasks. For the heaviest operations, the UNIC URW-1006 delivers a powerful 10-tonne lifting capacity at 3 metres while maintaining the compactness necessary for restricted spaces.
Manipulators: A Game-Changer
The integration of vacuum lifters and manipulators with Spider Plus’s cranes has been a game-changer for the Red Sea International Airport project, particularly for installing oversized glass panels and prefabricated GRC components.
Gerry, Project Manager at Reem Emirates, explained: “Traditional cranes alone couldn’t meet the precision requirements of this project. The manipulators were crucial in providing fine control over large and delicate materials, ensuring they could be positioned accurately without damage.”
The manipulators used on-site work in tandem with the cranes, offering rotational, tilting, and extending movements. This allowed operators to adjust the positioning of heavy panels with millimetre precision. For example, manipulators equipped with vacuum lifters could secure glass panels weighing up to 1.2 tonnes, lifting them into place and tilting them to the required angle before final placement.
“Handling glass panels over 4 metres tall and weighing upwards of a tonne is no small feat,” noted Eddie Nobrega, Regional Sales Manager at Spider Plus. “Our manipulators enable operators to make precise adjustments mid-air, eliminating risks associated with manual handling. This was particularly important for sections where panels had less than a metre of clearance on either side.”
Another example of the manipulators’ utility was their role in installing GRC panels on irregular façades. The manipulators allowed Spider Plus’s team to lift panels to heights exceeding 30 metres, rotate them as needed, and carefully manoeuvre them into tight spaces. The combination of the cranes’ lifting power and the manipulators’ precision control was instrumental in achieving seamless installations in challenging environments.
Gerry added: “There were sections where we needed to lift panels at odd angles to accommodate curved façade designs. The manipulators worked perfectly with Spider Plus’s cranes to ensure these tasks could be completed without delays or complications.”
Innovating in Complex Environments
The architectural complexity of the Red Sea International Airport, characterised by its signature glass façades, irregular rooflines, and shaded garden areas, presented significant challenges. These areas required precision equipment capable of operating on uneven terrain and accommodating restricted access points.
In one of the project’s most intricate tasks, manipulators were paired with vacuum lifters to position glass panels precisely, ensuring they aligned perfectly with the façade design. “Precision is everything,” Eddie said. “The manipulators allowed for fine adjustments, ensuring safe and efficient installations even in the tightest spaces.”
Logistical Mastery in a Remote Location
The airport’s remote location, over 2,000 kilometres from Abu Dhabi, added complexity. Transporting heavy equipment across such distances required meticulous planning, particularly at border crossings where delays could stretch into weeks.
Joe Duffy, General Manager at Spider Plus, recounted: “Delays at the border could take up to two weeks, creating significant challenges. Each piece of equipment had to be ready to start work immediately upon arrival. Modular transport systems maintained stability for oversized components during transit.”
Joe continued: “Logistical hurdles weren’t just about distance. Once the equipment arrived, it had to withstand extreme heat, sandstorms, and limited infrastructure. Spider Plus’s cranes are engineered with weather-resistant hydraulic systems and reinforced seals, ensuring consistent performance in harsh environments.”
Coordinating Complex Workflows
The airport’s ambitious timeline, with a soft opening planned for December, demanded unparalleled coordination. Spider Plus implemented parallel workflows to enable simultaneous operations across multiple sections. Daily on-site meetings maintained project momentum, allowing quick adaptation to changing priorities and preventing bottlenecks.
Sustainability at the Forefront Aligned with Vision 2030’s sustainability goals, Spider Plus prioritised eco-friendly operations throughout the project. The company deployed hybrid cranes and spider lifts to minimise emissions and reduce noise pollution.
“Our hybrid and electric equipment reduce emissions and operate quietly, ideal for sensitive landscaped zones,” Eddie explained. “We’re proud to contribute to a project setting new standards for sustainable construction.”
Leaving a Legacy
As the Red Sea International Airport nears completion, Spider Plus’s work stands as a testament to advanced machinery and collaboration in realising ambitious projects. “This project challenged us to innovate at every step,” Joe reflected. “From logistical planning to on-site execution, every solution was tailored to this landmark development. It’s a privilege to contribute to something so transformative.”
Gerry echoed: “The collaboration with Spider Plus has been integral to our success. Their adaptability and unwavering support left a lasting impression. This project is a milestone for Reem Emirates and the region.”
Eddie summarised: “Every stage showcased technology, expertise, and collaboration. The Red Sea International Airport is more than a project—it’s a legacy.”
