New giant mobile crane will soon be in operation!

More than a year has passed since we signed the purchase agreement, and now it’s finally here: Our new, giant mobile crane that will help us streamline operations and handle the increasing cargo volume.

The increased crane capacity will improve the flow on the port’s quay areas – including the container terminal, where cargo volumes are developing positively.

Handling larger cargo elements

The new mobile crane will handle container and bulk goods, as well as load and unload components for the wind energy industry, which is taking up more and more space on the quay in Aalborg.

– With players like Siemens Gamesa and CS WIND Offshore in the East Harbour, we experience a great need for handling project cargo. The wind energy market is moving incredibly fast. As an infrastructure, we need to be able to handle some of the world’s largest wind turbine blades, which are currently over 115 metres long and cannot be transported by road. We must support this development with efficient logistics and transport solutions regardless of cargo size, says Michael Hasselager, Office Manager, Planning & Operation, at Port of Aalborg.

Final preparations underway

Right now, work is in full swing to get the crane ready for operation.

Since the crane’s arrival in Aalborg, two Liebherr employees have been managing the preparations, which have included dismantling transport equipment, installing wire rope, setting up crane parameters and much more. In addition, the grab, hook block, container yoke and fire extinguishing system were tested.

Crane operators from Port of Aalborg have also been at the assembly site every day. During the spring, technical staff will be trained to handle crane operations at the Liebherr factory in Rostock.

Prepared for electric operation

Port of Aalborg is electrifying its machinery, and the new mobile crane is naturally prepared for electric operation.

– As a busy logistics hub and business park, our equipment is an important part of daily operations. It’s therefore a big step in the right direction that we are now electrifying the majority of our equipment. In this way, we not only support the green transition but also help create it, says Director of Operation at Port of Aalborg, Søren Bæk Christensen.

The new mobile crane arrived on Sunday in week 43 and is expected to be ready for operation in mid-November.

Facts about the new mobile crane

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