First Liebherr Port Mobile Crane with Fossil-Free Diesel

The Port of Södertälje emphasizes its efforts to become a Green Port with the acquisition of the first Liebherr port mobile crane powered by fossil-free HVO100 diesel. The new port mobile crane LHM 420 was recently delivered to the port and will significantly improve handling capacity in the container and project cargo sectors. Södertälje was already the first port in Sweden to switch to fossil-free fuels in 2016.

(Rostock/Södertälje) The Port of Södertälje purchased a new Liebherr port mobile crane, type LHM 420, in 2020. The new machine was delivered in March 2021 and is already in operation at the port. With its lifting capacity of up to 124 tons and its 360-degree mobility, the crane offers the port flexibility in handling various goods. Additionally, the crane is equipped with various assistance systems that make container handling even more effective and safer. Liebherr assistance systems such as the Vertical Line Finder, the Teach-In system, or the Advanced Container Control make the crane a semi-automated and intelligent crane. Due to the proximity of the port to the city, LHM sound insulation has also been installed. With its proximity to the good infrastructure of Stockholm and its metropolitan region, the Port of Södertälje has a unique location in one of the most expansive regions of Scandinavia.

Nearly Emission-Free with HVO Diesel

“The timing for us to invest in a third port mobile crane is perfect. It means we can offer our customers more efficient handling and enables further growth in the container segment as well as in project cargo,” says Robert Tingvall, CEO of the Port of Södertälje, “we have a very modern terminal that focuses on efficiency, automation, and digitalization. We are very satisfied and happy with this new crane.”

In addition to all the useful and efficiency-enhancing features, the real highlight of the new machine is the type of fuel. The machine is the first Liebherr port mobile crane powered by HVO diesel, which is nearly emission-free. HVO Renewable Diesel is a fossil-free premium diesel product made from 100% renewable raw materials that does not emit new carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. It is produced through hydro-treatment of vegetable oils and/or organic fats. The result is a high-quality fuel whose chemical structure is almost identical to that of conventional diesel and can therefore completely replace fossil diesel.

Electricity at the Port Comes from Renewable Sources

The Port of Södertälje was the first port in Sweden to switch to fossil-free fuels. Since 2016, the port has been using the environmentally friendly fuel HVO100 for the operation of its vehicles, machines, and cranes. However, the port only uses the diesel engine to move the crane at the terminal. Once the crane is in the desired position, the electric motor is used for cargo handling. The port’s electricity also comes from renewable sources such as wind and solar energy.

“Up to 30% of the electricity we consume comes from our own photovoltaic system located on the roof of one of our warehouses. The rest is green electricity from sun, wind, and water,” says Robert Tingvall, CEO of the Port of Södertälje.

Photos: © Liebherr