Liebherr has been building port cranes for 50 years

Liebherr has continuously developed the mobile harbor crane over five decades, adapting to the changing requirements and trends of the industry. Over the years, upgrades have been made to lift larger and heavier loads while maintaining high performance and reliability standards. These included improvements to the crane’s tower and boom, as well as changes to the undercarriage. In recent years, fully electric cranes designed for energy efficiency and sustainability have come to the forefront. The latest LHM series relies on advanced electronics and sensor technology for future automation.

(Rostock) Half a century of innovation. In the global market for mobile harbor cranes, Liebherr has taken a leading role. This is thanks to the consistent satisfaction of customers who rely on the proven equipment and the extensive service network of the brand, which extends even to the most remote locations. This trust has been built over years through exceptional performance in the mobile harbor crane segment, making Liebherr a preferred choice in various regions and product configurations.

A legacy of excellence

The legacy and development of the Liebherr mobile harbor crane could not be more vividly illustrated than with the LGM 1130 introduced in 1974. At that time, mobile harbor cranes were often used as backups for STS container cranes and positioned under the actual container crane. This was made possible by a folding tower design that allowed the LGM to fold its boom, drive under the container crane, and then raise itself to support the STS. The LGM was introduced at a time when containerization was becoming increasingly dominant and global trade routes were expanding.
Mobile harbor cranes are known for their flexibility and versatility, and this characteristic has been further enhanced over time. These cranes, suitable for various applications such as bulk handling, container handling, and heavy transport, are designed to offer more efficiency compared to other port equipment. The rubber-tired undercarriage ensures excellent load distribution, eliminating the need for elaborate quay preparations and allowing for a smooth transition to new projects or ports.

1996 set new standards

With the introduction of the LHM 250 in 1996, Liebherr set new standards for efficiency and innovation. The crane featured an X-shaped undercarriage and individually steerable wheel sets, making it more maneuverable in tight port environments. Additionally, the LHM 250 was Liebherr’s first mobile harbor crane with telemetry, enabling remote monitoring and data transmission. This innovation was crucial as the industry needed more efficient and larger cranes to keep pace with growing container ships.

“Over the years, Liebherr has continuously adapted to market demands and introduced groundbreaking models that have impacted port operations,” says Sebastian Simon, product manager at Liebherr Rostock. “Our commitment to innovation and quality has made us a reliable partner in the maritime industry.”

The LHM 500, launched in 2002, continued the tradition with its robust design and a stronger focus on environmental friendliness. The tubular tower and 4-rope boom of the crane were designed to improve the reliability of the steel structure, extend the crane’s lifespan, and reduce environmental impact. In 2010, innovation continued towards digital technologies and automation in port operations, with the LHM 550 equipped with advanced telemetry and other features. Technical improvements are just part of optimizing logistical processes. Another important aspect is the optimal use of limited space, where portal cranes excel. Liebherr’s LPS cranes have been indispensable for port operations for decades. Their rail-bound configurations and space-saving portal chassis, combined with versatile mobile harbor crane technology, enable efficient cargo handling in tight locations. The LPS series, including models like the LPS 420 E, stands for innovation and practicality. With the LPS 800, containers, bulk goods, and heavy loads of up to 308 tons can be handled.

Assistance systems help optimize logistics – SmartGrip, Sycratronic, Pactronic The assistance systems introduced shortly after the market launch of the LHM 550 helped improve the logistical capabilities of mobile harbor cranes. SmartGrip, introduced in 2014, is an intelligent system that optimizes the grab fill rate through self-learning. It offers higher performance and almost always avoids overloads. Analyses showed that due to factors such as unfavorable angles and varying material densities, only about 70% of the grab capacity was typically utilized. SmartGrip automatically adapts and recognizes bulk density, compaction, grain size, and conditions such as penetration depth and grab type. It optimizes filling to maximum capacity within seven cycles and ensures that the rate exceeds 70% from the second cycle onward.

Two cranes must work together

The need to move larger and heavier loads has changed the performance of mobile harbor cranes. To transport heavy goods, especially from the wind power industry, two cranes must work together. Sycratronic was developed in 2004 to maximize performance and efficiency in tandem operation. It connects two cranes via a Controller Area Network (CAN bus), allowing their programmable logic controllers to communicate and synchronize movements. The leading crane provides the second crane with information on swing angle, lift height, and load weight, which it then automatically adjusts. With advanced algorithms and safety systems, Sycratronic enables the full utilization of the cranes’ load capacity and overcomes the typical limitation of 75% in tandem lifts. It also increases safety by monitoring and correcting shifts in the center of gravity and eliminating communication errors between crane operators, thereby reducing the risk of accidents.

Hybrid technology is an important step towards modernizing port logistics, as it makes operations more efficient and environmentally friendly. A good example is Liebherr’s Pactronic system, introduced in 2010. This system stores energy in a special reservoir that combines gas and hydraulic fluid and releases it when needed. This increases lifting speed without requiring a larger diesel engine, resulting in less pollution and better performance. The Pactronic system charges quickly, has a long lifespan, and is recyclable, making it an intelligent and sustainable choice for the future of port logistics. It also has a much higher energy capacity than conventional electrical storage systems like high-performance capacitors.

Fully electric for more sustainability in port logistics

In the last ten years, the demand for more sustainable port logistics has risen sharply. An important milestone was the introduction of the LPS 420 E in 2019, Liebherr’s first fully electric portal crane. This crane uses permanently excited synchronous motors that save energy, especially when idle. All movements – luffing, lifting, swinging, and driving – are performed by electric motors, with no hydraulics required. The LPS 420 E is designed for efficient bulk and container transport and demonstrates the industry’s focus on reducing the CO2 footprint. However, Liebherr has relied on electric drives for over 25 years, which produce no CO2 emissions during operation, provided the port infrastructure supports it.

The new LHM series, launched in 2022, represents the future of crane technology with its advanced automation features. This crane is prepared for monitored automation of workflows and prepares ports for the future of data-driven logistics and renewable infrastructure.

Innovations lead into the future

The maritime industry is constantly evolving, and Liebherr continues to strive to be a leader in innovation and sustainability. The company focuses on data-driven logistics and contributes to building a renewable port logistics infrastructure with its product innovations, ensuring its cranes are ready for the future.

Liebherr’s vision for the future emphasizes data-driven logistics that improve the operation of maritime crane fleets through better data access and optimization. The company anticipates growth in renewable energy infrastructure in ports to reduce local emissions and increase renewable energy generation. Liebherr’s mobile harbor cranes are already prepared for these trends, characterized by low noise levels, high precision, high speed, and reduced operating costs. Liebherr’s extensive sales and service network ensures that customers receive the support they need, no matter where they are in the world. This commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction drives everything Liebherr does and ensures that its mobile harbor cranes continue to set the standard for the industry.

Maintaining the agility of a family business

“The goals for the next half-century are clear: continuous technical development of the cranes, quick adaptation to new developments, and maintaining the agility of a family business with short decision-making paths,” says Andreas Ritschel, sales manager for mobile harbor cranes at Liebherr-MCCtec Rostock GmbH. Liebherr’s mobile harbor cranes will continue to set the benchmark for the industry in the future, as they have a long tradition and a vision for the future. And so Ritschel adds: “Reliability remains a cornerstone, both in products and in expanding service. With a consistent presence for 75 years and 50 years of experience and innovation in mobile harbor cranes, Liebherr will continue to lead the industry for the next 50 years.”
Photos: © Liebherr