The Port of Tilbury has expanded its crane fleet with the addition of a third LHM 550 mobile harbour crane from Liebherr Great Britain.
Commenting on the arrival of the new mobile harbour crane, Paul Dale, Chief Operating Officer of Forth Ports, said: “We have set out ambitious net zero targets across our business and are investing in greener technology to ensure that our operations are sustainable. The Liebherr LHM 550 joins our busy fleet in Tilbury and they will all support our growing bulks and heavy lift work across our port estate. We have a long-term relationship with Liebherr across the group and we are aligned in our commitment to greener operations.”
Arriving fully assembled on 18 January from Liebherr-MCCtec Rostock, Germany, the crane features a 54-metre outreach and a lifting capacity of 144 tonnes. Designed for high-volume cargo handling, the crane’s unloading process was assisted by an LH 150 Port Litronic material handler, which has been operational at Tilbury since 2023.
To support future projects, including the Aggregate Industries facility at the UK port, the LHM 550 is equipped with additional technology, such as an over-pressure system. Once the facility becomes operational in 2026, the crane will handle granulated blast furnace slag (GBFS), a low-carbon alternative to traditional cement, unloading it into the plant’s hopper.
The over-pressure system is crucial for protecting the crane from the aggressive nature of GBFS by ventilating the slewing platform and preventing product ingress into the machine rooms.
Additionally, the crane’s corrosion control is enhanced by a durable paint finish, similar to that used for Liebherr’s offshore and ship cranes, exceeding typical port standards.
Aggregate Industries’ new facility will enable the company to serve customers around the clock with conventional, low-carbon, and circular cementitious materials through five loading heads. In line with Forth Port’s goal to achieve net-zero emissions, the LHM 550 incorporates several of Liebherr’s green technologies.
The LieGEN energy recovery system captures and reuses energy, boosting operational efficiency and reducing fuel consumption. The crane is also fitted with the latest engine technology to meet the strictest emissions standards, setting new benchmarks for eco-friendly port equipment. Operating on Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) fuel, the crane supports the Port’s initiative to reduce carbon emissions from the outset.
Furthermore, the crane’s electric-ready design allows for future connection to an electrical power supply, enabling a transition to zero-emission operations down the line. These innovations reflect the Port’s commitment to sustainability and its proactive efforts to improve the ecological footprint of its operations.
Liebherr Great Britain’s Port Equipment and Maritime Cranes Sales Manager, Robert Alexander, commented: “Liebherr Great Britain is proud to continue supporting the Port of Tilbury, as it invests in cutting-edge equipment to enhance its operations. The addition of an LHM 550 Mobile Harbour Crane marks another milestone in our strong partnership. This state-of-the-art crane joins two existing LHM 550s at Tilbury and a third at the Port of Rosyth, underscoring Forth Ports’ commitment to operational excellence.”
