Günter Berthold (Liebherr) with RAK Ports' Cliff Brand and David Owen

Liebherr Maritime has received an order from Saqr Port Authority for two Liebherr LHM 800 mobile harbour cranes in bulk handling configuration.

This is the first order for the bulk version of the LHM 800, and the cranes will be capable of serving bulk vessels up to Capesize class.

The Saqr Port Authority has ordered the cranes for two new bulk berths, as part of a strategy to strengthen its leading position in the Middle East bulk market. Located at the foot of the Hajar Mountains in the north of the United Arab Emirates, Saqr mainly handles limestone and aggregates for construction projects in the Middle East.

Saqr Port, a long-time Liebherr customer, ordered its first crane over 25 years ago, and now operates eight Liebherr machines of various types. It also has a Liebherr simulator for training purposes. 

The LHM 800 will have a 54 m boom and a maximum lifting capacity of up to 144 T. "The powerful hydrostatic transmission and advanced Liebherr electronics ensure short, productive working cycles during bulk handling. Both machines for Saqr Port are equipped with Liebherr's unique Pactronic system. This hydraulic hybrid drive system achieves increased handling performance with reduced fuel consumption," according to the manufacturer. 

Using an accumulator, Pactronic stores energy generated when lowering the load for use when the crane requires peak power when hoisting. "In terms of turnover capacity, that means an increase of up to 30% compared to a conventional machine with an equal power rating of the primary energy source. With Pactronic, the LHM 800 is able to achieve a turnover of up to 2300 tonnes per hour," Liebherr adds.
 
Both cranes will be delivered fully assembled directly from Liebherr's maritime headquarters in Rostock, Germany to Saqr Port at the beginning of 2018 and will start operation in spring.