Liebherr to supply advanced ship-to-shore container cranes to HHLA

Liebherr Container Cranes, a leading European manufacturer of innovative port equipment, announces the sale of three large dual trolley ship-to-shore container cranes (STS) to Hamburger Hafen und Logistik AG (HHLA) for use at their container terminal Altenwerder (CTA) in the Port of Hamburg.

The terminal has consistently been at the forefront of the industry, constantly adopting innovative solutions and cutting-edge technology, making it a pioneer in its field. The advanced cranes mark a significant milestone in Liebherr's longstanding partnership with HHLA.

Following the successful delivery of two STS cranes in 2015 and three in 2017 to HHLA’s Container Terminal Tollerort, the newly acquired dual trolley cranes are the first step in a new strategic alliance, marking the beginning of a closer collaboration between the two companies. HHLA and Liebherr will drive forward innovative and sustainable change in the logistics industry. The cranes have a safe working load of 75 t twin lift at an outreach of 61 m, lift height of 53 m, back reach of 24.5 and a span of 35 m.

Automation and remote control for optimized operations
The cabinless cranes will operate entirely through automation and remote control. Liebherr's automation technology enables autonomous operation for most of the cycle but facilitates remote control via the Liebherr Remote Operator Station (ROS), for pick and place on the vessel, providing operators the same level of control as an on-board operator, but in a comfortable office-based environment.

With two trolleys operating on a single crane, dual-trolley STS cranes offer exceptional operational flexibility and increased efficiency. The primary trolley handles container transfers between the ship and the landside, while the secondary portal trolley can simultaneously handle transfers from the crane to the automated guided vehicles. This parallel operation decouples the landside and seaside operations, reducing wait times and significantly improving vessel turnaround times. This enhances operational safety, maximises productivity, and optimises operations at the container terminal.

Sustainable European-based manufacturing and service
With its rich European heritage, Liebherr is uniquely positioned to cater to the specific needs of HHLA. Liebherr Hamburg, dedicated to servicing maritime cranes, is based in the Port of Hamburg. Its team of technicians, large parts warehouse, and proximity to HHLA’s terminals ensures seamless support and 2/4 unparalleled service for HHLA's crane fleet, cementing the strong partnership between the two companies.

Liebherr's dual trolley ship-to-shore container cranes are not only at the forefront of technological innovation but also prioritise energy efficiency. They are designed to minimise energy consumption and optimise operational efficiency. Energy regeneration and capture is a key feature of the cranes and is carried out at both the primary and portal trolley hoist drives, enhancing the power consumption of the crane. The use of advanced automation algorithms further reduces energy consumption per container moved, contributing to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly operation.

"We are delighted to deepen our partnership with HHLA through the sale of these innovative dual trolley ship-to-shore container cranes," said Gerry Bunyan, Managing Director - Sales at Liebherr Container Cranes. "The combination of advanced automation, remote control capabilities, and industry-leading energy saving features, makes these cranes a perfect fit for HHLA's sustainability requirements. Together, we are shaping the future of port handling. This is the second order we have received for our dual trolley cranes, following an earlier order for Eurogate’s CTW terminal. This continued demand demonstrates the industry's appetite for European manufacturing and design, backed up by a local service.”

The strategic collaboration between Liebherr and HHLA represents a shared vision for the future of port operations. By systematically reducing greenhouse gas emissions across its operations, HHLA's CTA terminal is the world's first certified climate-neutral container handling facility. This certification reflects HHLA’s proactive approach towards achieving environmental sustainability goals, in alignment with global efforts to mitigate climate change. With a shared environmental vision, Liebherr Container Cranes have achieved a gold medal in sustainability from EcoVadis. This award illustrates Liebherr's dedication to sustainable practices and positions them as the preferred choice for terminals where sustainability is a core value.

“From day one Container Terminal Altenwerder has set itself apart as an industry pioneer, leading the integration of the newest technology to optimize its operations sustainably. It is with great pleasure that we announce our enhanced collaboration with Liebherr, as we continue to leverage the latest advancements in technology and automation. The state-of-the-art cranes will empower CTA to meet the demands of the future while optimizing operations and enhancing our overall performance, ultimately benefiting our customers”, said Patrick Krawutschke, Managing Director of Container Terminal Altenwerder.

By choosing Liebherr Container Cranes, HHLA secures a trusted partner with a proven track record in delivering energy-efficient and sustainable solutions. The technological advancements, combined with Liebherr's commitment to environmental responsibility, position Liebherr Container Cranes as the preferred choice for terminals like CTA seeking to optimize their operations while minimizing their carbon footprint.