Largest mobile harbour crane on US East coast commissioned for service at Port of Baltimore

29 Sep 2010 - Terminal Handling, Mobile harbour cranes

Liebherr has delivered a LHM 500S type mobile harbour crane to Rukert Terminals at the Port of Baltimore, USA.

Rukert Terminals is located at the Port of Baltimore and specialises in the handling of containers; metals, ores, salt, alloys, and other dry bulk and break-bulk cargoes. The crane was dleivered in August.

The tremendous growth in the region over the past decades in terms of global trade, and the associated demand of freight and handling capacity has increased the importance of efficient infrastructure.

The new crane has a lifting capacity of up to 140 tonnes and a maximum outreach of 51 meters. Equipped with 2x70 tonnes winches, the main the new LHM 500S will be used for handling fertilizers, salt, project cargo and heavy-lift cargo.

“The mobile harbour crane sector is an important strategic field of expansion for the Liebherr group. With this latest order our customer demonstrates great trust in the superior technology and the excellent Liebherr service and support. Also, this order was strategically important for our future sales ambition on the US east cost," explains Michael Kaunelis, Regional Sales Manager.

The decision in favour of Liebherr’s solution follows a comprehensive evaluation of available mobile harbour crane systems conducted by the client. The initial implementation includes rigorous process and performance analyses. Other important factors that influenced the decision to work with Liebherr – apart from very quick delivery times – were mainly the flexibility of the Liebherr harbour mobile cranes in handling different cargoes on a frequent basis (containers, bulk and general cargo, scrap etc.) and the compatibility with partly existing stringent ground pressures at the piers, based on a unique undercarriage concept.

“This is an exciting time in the 90 year history of Rukert Terminals, says Rukert’s President John Coulter. With the construction of a new 1000-foot long berth with 50 feet of draft designed specifically with this crane in mind, we are ready for the next generation of vessels. "The Liebherr LHM 500S is a cutting edge crane that fits perfectly into our operation. Unlike most cranes built today, the LHM 500S performs extremely well in all four phases of our cargo base. Very fast bulk cycle times, great heavy lift capacity, and exceptionally efficient break-bulk and container capacity. Couple that with a 25% more efficient engine and stellar track record for support, we could not be happier!”

Now that the crane has discharged its first vessel, the Liebherr solutions have become an integral part of Rukert Terminals facility plans that enable safe and efficient handling of various dry bulk goods, break-bulk cargoes, as well as containers. With Liebherr's eco-efficient products and services, Rukert Terminals will receive the benefit from lowered energy consumption, reduced spare parts needs and improved operating efficiency. Above: The LHM 500 in action at Rukert Terminals, Baltimore, USA.

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