At Grúas Aguilar, we continuously demonstrate our technical, logistical, and operational capabilities when undertaking large-scale projects beyond our national borders. To support the renovation of the Grand Stade de Tanger (Ibn Battouta Stadium), we mobilized our Liebherr LR 1700-7.1 crawler crane to Morocco, an operation that required meticulous planning and flawless coordination throughout every stage of the project.
Renovation of the Grand Stade de Tanger
The renovation of the Grand Stade de Tanger, also known as Ibn Battouta Stadium, is one of the most ambitious architectural and sporting developments currently underway in Morocco. The project will completely transform the venue, bringing it in line with the standards required for major international competitions.
The main improvements include:
- Expansion of the stadium’s capacity from approximately 45,000 spectators to between 80,000 and 85,000 seats.
- Removal of the athletics track, converting the venue into a football-specific stadium.
- Construction of a new roof structure and complete refurbishment of the exterior façade with a more modern and innovative design.
- Creation of new VIP and hospitality areas, enhancing the experience for sponsors, officials, and corporate guests.
- Modernization of the stadium’s facilities and adaptation to the technical requirements of major international sporting events.
This renovation forms part of Morocco’s strategy to strengthen its sports infrastructure ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and, most notably, the 2030 FIFA World Cup, which the country will co-host alongside Spain and Portugal.
Heavy-lift crane for the stadium renovation
The scale of the project required equipment capable of carrying out highly complex lifting operations with the highest levels of precision and safety. To meet these demands, we deployed our Liebherr LR 1700-7.1 crawler crane, one of the most efficient solutions for heavy-lift projects.
Throughout the project, the crane was responsible for lifting, positioning, and installing large structural components, performing high-precision operations in a particularly demanding working environment.
The main technical challenges included:
- Lifting components weighing more than 112 tonnes.
- Performing operations at working radii of up to 90 and 100 metres.
- Configuring the crane with approximately 375 tonnes of counterweight.
- Achieving millimetre-accurate positioning to ensure the correct assembly of structural elements at height.
- Maintaining constant coordination with the construction teams to meet project deadlines.
The versatility and lifting capacity of the LR 1700-7.1, combined with the extensive experience of our team in large-scale projects, were key factors in the successful completion of every planned installation phase.
Lifting engineering for major projects
The success of an operation of this magnitude depends on far more than the capabilities of the equipment involved. Behind every lift lies extensive engineering expertise, planning, and technical analysis to ensure safety and efficiency throughout the entire process.
At Grúas Aguilar, we carry out detailed studies covering load calculations, working radii, crane configurations, ground stability, installation sequences, and bespoke lifting plans for each project. This approach enables us to deliver tailored solutions to even the most complex challenges.
Our involvement in the renovation of the Grand Stade de Tanger demonstrates our ability to manage highly complex international operations, providing not only high-performance equipment but also the technical expertise and experience required to successfully execute strategic projects of international significance. At Grúas Aguilar, we continue to strengthen our position as a leading provider of heavy lifting services, special transport solutions, and lifting engineering, contributing to some of the most significant infrastructure projects both in Spain and internationally.