🏗️ UK Crane Industry Q2 Update (April–June 2025)

craneconnectuk
Jul 1
4 min read

As we wrap up the second quarter of the year, the crane industry in the UK is holding steady, with plenty happening on the ground and behind the scenes. There’s been real movement across major projects, some encouraging signs around tech and sustainability, and a few ongoing problems that aren’t going away quietly. Here’s a full update on where things stand as we head into the second half of the year.

Major Projects Worth Noting

1. Thames Gateway Logistics Hub, East London

This is one of the biggest developments happening in London right now. The site has a mix of luffing jib tower cranes running across multiple phases, working around a tight urban layout. What’s interesting is the use of AI-based anti-collision systems that help manage crane movements in real time. It’s a big investment in safety and coordination, and it’s setting a standard other projects may follow. When it’s finished, the logistics hub is expected to bring thousands of jobs to the area.

2. Birmingham Smithfield Redevelopment

This large regeneration scheme is in full swing, and cranes are doing a lot of the heavy lifting (literally and figuratively). The team is using mobile and self-erecting tower cranes for modular installations, which helps speed things up while reducing disruption. Some of the equipment on site includes hybrid-powered cranes, a sign that emissions are being taken seriously even at this early stage.

3. Hinkley Point C: Heavy Lift Milestone

Hinkley is already a familiar name, but this quarter marked a milestone with the arrival of one of the largest crawler cranes ever used in the UK. The 3,000-tonne machine was brought in to handle huge nuclear components. Lifts on this scale require careful planning, precise execution and complete confidence in the equipment. It’s a clear example of how much lifting technology has advanced, particularly on high-stakes energy projects.

4. Leeds District Heating Network

In Leeds, cranes are being used a bit differently. Compact telescopic cranes are helping install underground heating systems in tight residential spaces. They’ve been using GPS to plan lifts precisely, minimising disruption for local communities. It’s a good example of how cranes play a key role even when the work isn’t happening high above the skyline.

What’s Driving the Market Right Now

More Demand for Greener Equipment

Contractors are asking more often for cranes that run on hybrid or low-emission systems. Some local councils are putting limits on diesel-powered kit, especially in city centres. Rental firms are starting to respond by adding more electric and biodiesel-ready machines to their fleets.

Urban Construction Is Still Going Strong

Cities like Manchester, Leeds and parts of Glasgow continue to see strong demand for new residential and mixed-use buildings. This keeps crane hires busy, particularly luffing jib cranes that can operate in tight quarters.

Smart Tech Is Picking Up Pace

More sites are now using software to monitor crane activity, track performance and plan maintenance. It's not flashy, but it does help improve uptime and safety. Remote diagnostics and telemetry are making it easier to get ahead of issues before they turn into problems.

Crane-as-a-Service Is Gaining Ground

More contractors are choosing to hire cranes as part of a complete service, rather than just renting the equipment on its own. They’re looking for full support, including planning, installation, operators and ongoing maintenance, all from the same provider. It’s a practical approach that helps keep things running smoothly, especially on complex or time-sensitive sites.

Challenges the Industry Can’t Ignore

Skilled Operators Are Still Hard to Find

There just aren’t enough experienced crane operators to meet demand. Even as training schemes expand, it’s a slow process. Some projects have had to delay works because they couldn’t get crews in place on time.

Supply Chains Are Still Fragile

Getting hold of spare parts or new machines can still take longer than expected. Global logistics aren’t back to pre-pandemic reliability, and some manufacturers are dealing with backlogs. A few companies are starting to refurbish older cranes rather than waiting months for new ones.

New Safety Regulations Require More Paperwork and Accountability

Changes from the Building Safety Act are being felt, particularly in terms of documentation and oversight. Sites are under pressure to show clear records of safety procedures and lifting operations. It’s not a bad thing, but it’s adding time and admin to already busy schedules.

Insurance and Running Costs Are Going Up

Keeping large cranes insured and well maintained isn’t cheap and it’s only getting more expensive. This is pushing some operators to work more hours with fewer machines, which raises other questions around safety and fatigue.

What to Watch in Q3

Looking ahead to the summer months, sustainability and technology are likely to take a bigger role. Several large infrastructure projects connected to HS2 and regional transport upgrades could get underway soon, especially in the Midlands and the North.

There’s also growing interest in tools that support smarter crane planning and improved fleet management. These kinds of systems are becoming more common on larger and more complex jobs. At the same time, pressure from labour shortages and rising costs is still a factor. Many companies will be focused on finding ways to work more efficiently with the resources they already have.

Wrapping Up

It’s been a solid quarter for the UK crane sector. Projects are progressing, and there’s growing interest in working more efficiently and with a smaller environmental footprint. At the same time, the industry is facing some real challenges. Labour shortages, rising costs, and ongoing supply issues are all putting pressure on day-to-day operations. These aren’t going away anytime soon, and tackling them will take some clear thinking and collaboration.

How are things looking on your side? Are you seeing more interest in low-emission cranes, or having to adjust your operations to deal with staffing gaps or changing regulations? Feel free to share your experience in the comments. It’s always useful to hear how others in the industry are handling similar challenges.

Onyeka Obi

Chief Operating Officer / CraneConnect Ltd