A large-scale redevelopment project is underway at Yokohama’s Honmoku Pier, Japan. Tokyo-based demolition and construction specialist EcoActive has been contracted to demolish the foundations of the Honmoku Logistics Centre (West) after the partial demolition of the building. Faced with deeply buried concrete foundations and underground structures, some up to 3 m deep, the company called on Volvo CE for a powerful and reliable solution: the EC950FL crawler hydraulic excavator.

Demanding task

The project involved the demolition of an old warehouse and the removal of deeply buried foundations and piles. Such a demanding task required both strong power and precise control. To meet these requirements, EcoActive installed a Volvo EC950FL. This 100-t class hydraulic excavator is equipped with a demolition specification option and a high boss (boom console) popular in Japan. The machine was introduced to the site in early July 2025 and is already in operation.

“We needed a machine that could handle the unpredictable environment of underground demolition, and the EC950FL is very productive, providing the power and stability we require and the ability to switch attachments quickly by using a quick coupler. Volvo Construction Equipment’s attention to detail and willingness to customise the machine to our needs was a game changer,” said EcoActive president, Aida.

EcoActive expects strong feedback from operators on the EC950FL’s thoughtful design and user-friendly features. The machine is equipped with one pedal for straight running, a rarity in Japanese models, and an onboard air compressor for quick and convenient cleaning. Combined with the Hybos configuration, these improvements are expected to increase safety and efficiency on the jobsite.

The EC950FL was supplied by Sky, a Volvo CE sub-dealer in the Kanto region. EcoActive decided to invest in the EC950FL this time after purchasing two models last year, the EC220EL and ECR355EL, which are operating on numerous sites such as factories and jobsites that require large machines.

As construction of the Honmoku Distribution Centre progresses, the EcoActive initiative, supported by the EC950FL and other large machines, is laying the groundwork, literally and figuratively, for a new era in Yokohama’s logistics infrastructure.

“We are proud to support EcoActive with the EC950FL, designed to meet the toughest demolition challenges,” said Shoji Isamu, head of market Japan at Volvo CE. “Our goal is not just to provide a machine, but a comprehensive solution to improve productivity, safety and sustainability for our Japanese customers.”