Liebherr Delivers Port Crane to Nuh Çimento at Hereke Port

The strategically located Turkish port of Hereke, situated on the Gulf of İzmit, serves as an important maritime access point for the export logistics of Nuh Çimento. The infrastructure is designed for handling large quantities of bulk materials and enables continuous ship operations as well as a smooth flow of cargo, a crucial requirement for the company’s export-oriented business model.

(Rostock) Electric efficiency meets long-standing trust. The LPS 420 portal crane has been successfully installed at the private port of Nuh Çimento in Hereke, Turkey, supporting the handling of large volumes of bulk materials. It is equipped with an electric drive, allowing the port to reduce fuel consumption and local emissions. Its slewing mechanism is supported by Liebherr’s closed hydraulic circuit, ensuring smooth and energy-efficient rotation even under heavy loads. The crane’s advanced Litronic control system enables precise handling of bulk materials. These features make the LPS 420 particularly suitable for high-throughput terminals handling abrasive materials such as clinker and cement.

A Leap in Port Performance

The new portal crane replaces a Liebherr LPS 400 that had been in continuous operation since 1999. The LPS 400 at Nuh Çimento was the world’s first delivered Liebherr portal slewing crane and played a key role in establishing the current design. More than 130 LPS cranes have been delivered worldwide, proving to be a reliable solution for port operators with rail-bound quay facilities. In light of increasing maintenance demands and the need for higher efficiency, Nuh Çimento opted for a new LPS 420 to ensure smooth port operations.

The installation was carried out under the supervision of Liebherr experts and was completed on schedule. The customer praised the efficient coordination and technical expertise. “We have known the LPS series for many years and are very familiar with the materials we handle,” explained a representative from Nuh Çimento. “The LPS 420 was the logical choice for us. The installation was quick and straightforward, comparable to a modular system. Our operators quickly adapted to the new crane as it is practical and easy to operate. It feels like an evolution of what we already knew – but with more power and less effort.”

The port infrastructure supports this operational improvement. The site features a 595-meter-long berth and can accommodate ships with a capacity of up to 80,000 tons. A 300-meter-long underground conveyor tunnel and automated loading systems ensure fast and efficient cargo handling. This allows Nuh Çimento to maintain a high throughput while meeting the logistical requirements for exports to over 40 countries across five continents.

The project underscores the importance of a high-performance port infrastructure for Nuh Çimento’s business model, which heavily relies on maritime logistics to serve international markets. Compared to the LPS 400, the new crane offers shorter cycle times, longer maintenance intervals, and a quieter, lower-emission working environment. With the LPS 420, the company is well-positioned to meet growing market demand while ensuring high operational standards.

Electricity with Precision for Turkey’s Industrial Heart

The introduction of the LPS 420 enhances Nuh Çimento’s resilience against rising energy costs and stricter environmental regulations. Thanks to the electric drive system, the crane supports compliance with international sustainability standards while also reducing long-term operating costs. Its quiet, low-vibration operation further improves safety and working conditions on site – a crucial advantage in a port environment that operates around the clock.

Liebherr’s regional service network ensures quick response times and competent support, which Nuh Çimento highlights as critical for operations. The company emphasized that the reliability of the cranes is essential for adhering to the cargo schedule. “Our cranes must be ready for operation at all times,” the customer explained. “With Liebherr, we have created a safe and reliable working environment.”

Decades of Shared Experience

“This project underscores the strength of our long-standing partnership with Nuh Çimento. The LPS 420 builds on decades of shared experience and provides a future-proof solution that supports the company in achieving its operational and environmental goals,” explained Andreas Ritschel, General Manager Sales Mobile Harbour Cranes at Liebherr-Rostock GmbH.

Photo: © Liebherr