Liebherr Installs Two Mobile Harbor Cranes at the Port of Dover

Two Liebherr mobile harbor cranes enhance the logistical processes at the Port of Dover and handle global products: from steel plates to South and Central American fruits. For the first time in the United Kingdom, the cranes are powered by HVO. The fuel is made from 100% renewable resources and does not emit new carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.

(Rostock/Dover) The two Liebherr mobile harbor cranes – an LHM 280 and an LHM 550 – have been installed at the Port of Dover, strengthening the equipment fleet. This allows for the handling and distribution of all types of cargo arriving and departing from the busiest shipping lane in the world at the multipurpose terminal.

The LHM 550 is the larger of the two cranes, capable of lifting 104 tons and has a maximum reach of 54 meters. Its smaller counterpart has a lifting capacity of 84 tons and a reach of 40 meters. The robust construction of the Liebherr LHM cranes was a significant factor in their procurement for the Port of Dover, especially considering the exposed and windy location of the terminal in Dover. The two cranes can operate in winds of up to force 9 (approximately 75-88 km/h). This enables year-round unloading of ships under nearly all weather conditions. Additionally, the cranes can operate using HVO 100.

HVO as an Alternative Fuel

Environmentally friendly drive concepts for vehicles and machines are more important than ever to reduce CO2 emissions. Hydrated vegetable oil, also known as Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO), plays a significant role at Liebherr. HVO is an alternative fuel that can power a large portion of Liebherr construction machines, cranes, and mining equipment either in its pure form or as an additive to fossil diesel. Its production is climate-neutral when only electricity from renewable energy sources is used in the manufacturing process. Furthermore, it produces lower emissions during use compared to machines powered by fossil diesel fuel. A comparison shows that greenhouse gas emissions can be reduced by up to 90% over the product’s lifecycle when the machine is fueled with Neste MY Renewable Diesel (= HVO 100) instead of fossil diesel.

New Fuel Source for Decarbonization

At the handover of the cranes, Karen Hayes, General Manager at Port of Dover Cargo, stated: “Since the opening of our new terminal in the Western Docks just over a year and a half ago, our business has developed well. We have continuously adapted to the latest technologies and techniques, allowing the team to handle all types of cargo in the industry and further expand our customer base.” The team in Dover is particularly pleased that the cranes are powered by HVO, as this supports the port’s efforts to achieve its recently announced industry-leading decarbonization goals.

Robert Alexander, Sales Manager at Liebherr-Great Britain, said: “It has been a pleasure to work with the Port of Dover team. We wish the port much success in expanding its activities and look forward to future collaboration.”

Photo: © Liebherr