Port Esbjerg Orders Second Liebherr LHM 800

The Port of Esbjerg has been a long-standing partner of Liebherr and has recently ordered a second LHM 800. The new crane is already the seventh Liebherr mobile harbor crane to be deployed in Denmark’s largest port. With the new heavy-lift crane, next-generation offshore wind turbines will be lifted. Another crane of the LHM 600 type will be delivered by Liebherr to Port Esbjerg later this year.

(Rostock) The Port of Esbjerg is a leader in Europe when it comes to the handling and shipping of wind energy components. The port has played a key role in the rise of the Danish offshore wind industry – 80% of the offshore wind capacity installed in Europe has been shipped from Port Esbjerg. The port’s track record in breakbulk handling is remarkable, as it handles more than 500,000 tons of essential wind turbine components annually. Therefore, it is crucial that the port operates with state-of-the-art equipment. The first LHM 800 for Port Esbjerg was delivered in 2019. The upcoming delivery of the recently ordered second LHM 800 in 2023 marks the seventh Liebherr mobile harbor crane that Denmark’s largest port will have in operation. Port Esbjerg will thus become the third port in the world to have two LHM 800 in its fleet.

Long Partnership

With the second LHM 800, Port Esbjerg will also be able to perform tandem lifts of up to 616 tons. This means that next-generation offshore wind turbine components can be handled. Dennis Jul Pedersen, CEO of Port Esbjerg, says: “Our expertise lies in breakbulk and the capacity for tandem lifts over 600 tons, which is essential not only for the onshore and offshore wind market but also for supporting production in the hinterland.”

Liebherr and Port Esbjerg have maintained a collaborative business relationship for many years. The first Liebherr mobile harbor crane, an LHM 1080, was purchased by the port in 1994. Many more units followed in the years thereafter. Together with Port Esbjerg, Liebherr developed its unique tandem lift assistance system, Sycratronic.

“The Port of Esbjerg has been pursuing significant expansion plans for decades. Our company supports the development of the port by providing a high-quality product, reliable service, and innovative technology. We are grateful for the opportunity to be successful together and to continue our partnership,” comments Roman Chopyk, Sales Manager for Liebherr mobile harbor cranes.

Liebherr for the Wind Industry

A significant increase in offshore wind activities is predicted for the next decade. As wind turbines continue to grow larger, powerful equipment for handling the components is required. The ability to handle heavy components with mobile harbor cranes is essential for efficient and flexible port operations. Liebherr’s mobile harbor cranes are versatile and enable the handling of all types of goods – even at wind speeds of up to 24 meters per second.

The LHM 800 is the largest and most powerful mobile harbor crane in the Liebherr LHM portfolio. The equipment meets the ever-increasing demand for mobile heavy-lift cranes in the maritime sector. A key driver of this development is the wind industry. In a special heavy-lift version, the LHM 800 can lift loads of up to 308 tons and in tandem operation. In combination with the intelligent Liebherr system Sycratronic, even loads of up to 616 tons are possible.

Tandem Lifts Over 600 Tons

Sycratronic is a computer-based assistance system for the operation of two cranes by one crane operator. This system is not only ideal for tandem lifts of heavy turbines but also for handling rotor blades that can be over 90 meters long in the offshore wind sector. Sycratronic accelerates the handling time and increases safety, as the software monitors the operation to avoid overloads and prevent the shifting of loaded components.

Photo: © Liebherr