Major investment: Capacity increasing with new giant mobile crane

Port of Aalborg is experiencing an increase in the size of the goods handled in and out of the port. As a consequence, Port of Aalborg is now expanding its machinery with a large mobile harbor crane, meaning the port is ready to handle even larger volumes in the future.

– We have long wanted to expand our crane capacity to ensure positive growth in and around the port. With the new investment, we now have a maneuverable and flexible supplement to our existing cranes. With increased capacity, we can enhance both efficiency and flow on the port’s quay areas – including the container terminal, where freight volumes are developing positively, says Office Manager, Planning & Operation, at Port of Aalborg, Michael Hasselager.

In addition to handling container and bulk cargo, the new crane will also load and unload components for the wind and offshore industry, which is taking up more and more space on the quay in Aalborg.

– With players such as Siemens Gamesa and CS WIND Offshore located in our area, we are experiencing a great need for handling project cargo. The market is developing incredibly fast, and as an infrastructure site, we need to be able to handle some of the world’s largest wind turbine blades, which today are over 115 meters long and cannot to be transported by road. Naturally, we must support this development, which we do by investing further in our facilities so that we can continue to serve local companies with efficient logistics and transportation solutions regardless of the size of the goods, says Michael Hasselager.

Tailor-made in collaboration with manufacturer and customers

The new crane – a Liebherr LHM550 – will be delivered at the beginning of Q4. With a capacity of 144 tons for hook handling and bulk grabs of 19 and 26 cubic meters, the crane has the potential to increase efficiency and develop existing and new crane operations at the port.

The new crane has also specified in collaboration with the port’s users, while preparations are already ongoing with the German manufacturer, who has been very responsive to Port of Aalborg’s wishes.

– We have been in close dialog with Liebherr about the new crane for a long time. Partly to identify our own needs, but also to be able to meet the many demands from our customers who will be using the crane, says Michael Hasselager and elaborates:

– At the end of 2023, we sent our crane operators and technical staff to Liebherr’s factory in Rostock, where they were introduced to the crane and together we learned about our requirements specification. Now we have ended up with a solution that we very much look forward to use, concludes Michael Hasselager.

As part of the electrification of Port of Aalborg’s machinery, the new mobile crane has been prepared for electric operation.

Facts about Port of Aalborg’s new mobile crane

• Model: Liebherr LHM 550
• Lifting capacity: 144 tons hook
• Grab capacity: Nemag 19 m3 (stone) and 25 m3 (grain) grab
• Capacity: Bromma EH170U container spreader
• Reach: 54 meters
• Lifting height: 51 meters (min radius) – 31 meters (max radius)
• Weight: 491 tons

For further information, please contact:

• Michael Hasselager, Office Manager, Planning & Operation, Port of Aalborg A/S, tel. 20 51 57 19 and mha@portofaalborg.com
• Press service: Maja Thordahl Schou, Head of PR, Port of Aalborg A/S, tel. 22 61 83 08 and mts@portofaalborg.com