CABINLESS CRANE

Ireland-based Liebherr Container Cranes has launched a video highlighting the advanced automation capabilities of its new cabinless ship-to-shore container crane.

The crane has recently entered service at Patrick Terminals – Brisbane AutoStrad in Australia, where it is handling container vessels and automated landside operations.

The crane utilises Liebherr’s Remote Operator Station (ROS) for pick-and-place over the vessel and for exception handling. The ROS allows the same level of crane control as an on-board operator but from the comfort of an office-based environment.

“We are thrilled to unveil the automation capabilities of our Liebherr ship-to-shore crane at Patrick Terminals - Brisbane AutoStrad,” says Declan O’Sullivan, GM, Sales, Liebherr Container Cranes.

“This achievement signifies our dedication to working hand in hand with our clients to push the boundaries of port automation and providing cutting-edge solutions that transform operations. Through this video, we aim to showcase the power of automation in enhancing port efficiency, safety and profitability.”

This semi-automated crane is the first of its kind for Patrick Terminals, and one of the first cabinless Liebherr ship-to-shore container cranes to enter service globally, underscoring Liebherr’s commitment to driving technological progress in the port equipment industry.

“The introduction of the new semiautomated Liebherr ship-to-shore crane with a remote-control operator’s station marks a significant milestone in the Patrick Terminals crane fleet,” says Michael Jovicic, CEO, Patrick Terminals.

“We are proud to have collaborated with Liebherr Container Cranes on this ground-breaking project, delivering a crane that aligns with our unwavering commitment to safety and efficiency. This innovative addition enhances our operations and underscores our dedication to embracing technology.”

Patrick Terminals - Brisbane Autostrad has two Liebherr ship-to-shore container cranes. The first unit was supplied in 2015 and has recently undergone a lift height and outreach extension using Liebherr’s Transform technology. The new crane, meanwhile, features an outreach of 54m, a back reach of 48m, a lift height over rail of 40m and a span of 25.3m.

Watch the video on YouTube here: https://tinyurl.com/5yy7chsp.

MORE FROM LIEBHERR

Cadeler, an offshore wind industry company, has acquired a Liebherr Ram Luffing Offshore Crane, the RL 2600, as part of the modernisation of its O-class Wind Osprey vessels to support the next generation of wind turbines.

The Wind Osprey is one of Cadeler’s two windfarm installation vessels, which, in addition to offshore wind farm installation carry out maintenance and decommissioning tasks.

With its focus on logistical support – moving tools and smaller attachments – the Liebherr deck crane will provide support to the vessel’s larger main crane. It features a small tail radius and no machinery housing, which allows it to operate in confined space conditions. The 7.0m3 cabin is said to be ergonomic and ensures low-fatigue work for the operator. The Liebherr RL 2600 will replace an older, cylinder luffing deck crane.

The RL series cranes are primarily used for maintenance and supply work on both fixed and floating offshore installations, particularly in the wind power industry and the oil and gas sector.

The Wind Osprey’s main crane will also be upgraded. It will feature a lifting capacity of 1,600t at a radius of 40m, and a main hook able to reach 160m above the main deck.

“Besides upgrading the lifting capacity of our windfarm installation vessel main cranes to effectively handle larger and heavier wind turbines, we are also upgrading our equipment with innovative features and seeking strategic alliances with companies that will be with us in the long run. Liebherr fulfils our criteria for innovation, reliability and service, and we are looking forward to working with them closely on our flagship projects,” says Jacob Heinricy Jensen, COO, Cadeler.

“Our new partnership with Cadeler marks a remarkable opportunity for us to work with a leading provider in the wind energy industry,” says Stefan Schneider, global application manager General Purpose Offshore Cranes, Liebherr.

“This is a synergistic foundation for us in which we provide reliable products for Cadeler, while learning from our collaboration to further innovate our technologies to accommodate future industry growth. We look forward to a long and fruitful collaboration.”

Cadeler has installed over 500 offshore wind turbines and equally as many foundations and is aiming to become the key supplier in the industry’s ongoing development.

ANTWERP HARBOUR

Belgian logistics and transportation company Zuidnatie has ordered its first Generation 6 Konecranes Gottwald mobile harbour crane for operations in Antwerp, as it continues to build more capacity while lowering emissions and improving energy efficiency.

The crane was delivered in Q3 and will be assembled on site for commissioning and handover in Q4 2023.

As its business grows and the market demands more eco-efficiency throughout the supply chain, Zuidnatie said it ordered the crane as an easily adaptable, highperformance hybrid solution for one of Europe’s largest ports for handling both general cargo and containers.

This gives the power needed for peak performance, while saving fuel on lighter loads. Prepared for an external power supply, the crane offers the potential for even higher eco-efficiency when connected to the harbour mains.

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