September 5, 2013
Contact: Dobler Joachim
+43 50809 41-574
Joachim.Dobler2@Liebherr.com
When it comes to state-of-the-art mobile harbour cranes, Latin America has a clear preference for the Liebherr 600 series. In total 10 units have been sold in the last 12 months in the Latin American market. These results clearly show the popularity of the LHM 600 and also the trend towards larger cranes in Latin America. With a maximum outreach of 58 metres and twin lift capability, the Liebherr Mobile Harbour Crane LHM 600 is capable of servicing vessels up to 19 container rows.
In Latin America the population development of the strongest mobile harbour crane model available in the market is impressive. The first LHM 600 was delivered in 2009, followed by two further deliveries in 2010. In 2011 the number of units supplied rose to three. In 2012, the remarkable number of annual LHM 600 deliveries reached a short-lived record high of 5 units which will be easily topped in 2013.
Two of the below-mentioned LHM 600 deliveries (Argentina and one for Uruguay) are based on a special LHM design. An extended tower extension ensures that the position of the tower cabin is higher than 37 metres providing better sight into the ship for the crane operator. Additionally, the operator benefits from a higher fulcrum point without any influence on safety or operational parameters like lifting capacity and travelling speed. These are the first units featuring the highest tower version available. The first of these specially designed LHM 600s will start operation in September 2013.
In Montevideo, Uruguay, Montecon S.A. started operation in 2000. Since then, their Liebherr mobile harbour crane fleet has steadily grown. In the last 12 months, Montecon S.A. has ordered two more mighty LHM 600s. Hence, three LHM 600s will soon service vessels in the Port of Montevideo, supported by a number of previously delivered LHM models.
Hutchison Port Holdings (HPH) has ordered four LHM 600s for its ports in Latin America. HPH is one of the world’s leading port operators with ports in 26 countries worldwide. In Argentina, Buenos Aires Container Terminal Services S.A. ordered their first Liebherr Mobile Harbour Crane, type LHM 600. The terminal was established in 1994. The new LHM comes in two-rope configuration for dedicated container handling.
Strong signals come from Mexico, where HPH alone has ordered three LHM 600s. An annual GDP growth of about 4% calls for new investments in efficient port equipment. For that reason, the 2013 year looks to be the most successful year in history regarding LHM deliveries to Mexico thanks in part to the order of four LHM 600 cranes.
In the course of 2013, a LHM 600 has started operation for HPH in Mexico. Terminal Internacionale de Manzanillo S.A. de C.V. (TIMSA) opted for Liebherr’s strongest mobile harbour crane. TIMSA is a multipurpose terminal for bulk material and container handling. The terminal is located on the west coast of Mexico, close to various metropolitan areas. The main task of the new crane is container handling.
Located on Mexico’s Pacific coast, the HPH affiliate Lázaro Cárdenas Multipurpose Terminal S.A. de C.V. has ordered two LHM 600s. Each crane is equipped with a 104t winch and will mainly be used for handling containers and bulk cargo.
Also in Lázaro Cárdenas, Terminales Portuarias del Pacifico opted for a LHM 600. The terminal specialises in bulk material and steel products handling. The new crane will join an existing LHM 550, which has started operation in 2011. Both machines are equipped for highly efficient bulk operation. The new LHM 600 in four-rope configuration will be the first LHM in Mexico equipped with Liebherr’s innovative hybrid power booster Pactronic®, allowing for up to 30% more turnover in combination with reduced fuel consumption and emissions of about 30%.
Brazil is the biggest market in Latin America for Liebherr Mobile Harbour Cranes. After a number of very successful years, Liebherr has again received several LHM orders in 2013. In Manaus, close to the confluence between the Negro River and the Amazon River, Chibatão Navegação e Comércio LTDA decided to enforce their port with three LBS 600s. Liebherr Barge Slewing (LBS) cranes are an efficient combination of the innovative mobile harbour crane concept and a fixed pedestal mounted on a barge, which replaces the undercarriage. LBS cranes provide an economical and space-saving solution for the installation on quaysides and jetties, especially in Manaus where room for manoeuvring is limited. These three LBS will join an existing fleet of nine Liebherr Fixed Cargo Cranes and six Liebherr Rubber Tyre Gantry Cranes in Manaus.
Liebherr continues its remarkable success story in Latin America having sold 10 units of the 600 series in the last 12 months. Due to the high demand in Latin America Liebherr has invested some $20 million in a new sales and service centre in Miami. Opened in June, the new centre serves as a major hub for Liebherr’s maritime cranes division and will further strengthen business relations to the Latin American region. The newly built complex is situated on a total property area covering about 40,000 square metres. The building has a total area of 3,800 square metres. In 2013 about 52 staff members will be working in this new facility.
Port Name: Liebherr-Werk Nenzing GmbH
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