A NEW iconic feature at the Port of London is settling down to work in its new setting.

The port has invested in a new towering mobile harbour crane, recently delivered by its builders Liebherr following a lengthy journey from Germany via the Baltic and North seas.

The LHM 550 mobile harbour crane, the third now in operation at Tilbury, has been equipped with Liebherr's latest technical innovations to enhance the Port's logistical operations.

It incorporates green technology to help the Port achieve its goal of being net zero by 2042.

The multifunctional crane has been acquired to support the growing operations of London's major port, including Aggregate Industries' new cement grinding manufacturing facility and import terminal.

The crane arrived fully assembled on the MV Meri heavy load vessel from Liebherr-MCCtec Rostock, Germany.

With an outreach of 54 metres and 144-tonne configured lifting capacity, the LHM 550 is engineered for high-volume cargo throughput. 

The unloading of the crane was assisted by an LH 150 Port Litronic material handler which has been in operation at Tilbury since 2023.

The LHM 550 crane has been specified with additional technology, including an over-pressure system to best aid future projects, including Aggregate Industries' facility on the Port, recently featured on Nub News after the opening a new inflatable facility. 

Once that is operational in 2026, the crane will handle granulated blast furnace slag (GBFS) a low carbon alternative to conventional cement, unloading it from the vessel into the hopper of the plant. 

In alignment with Forth Port's objective to achieve net-zero emissions, the mobile harbour crane incorporates several of Liebherr's green technologies.

Firstly, the LieGEN energy recovery system captures and reuses energy, enhancing operational efficiency and reducing fuel consumption. 

The latest engine technology is fitted to comply with the most stringent emissions standards, setting new benchmarks for environmentally friendly port equipment.

The crane can operate on Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) fuel, supporting the Port's initiative to operate the crane on HVO from the delivery date,thereby reducing carbon emissions. 

Finally, the crane's electric-ready design allows for connection to an electrical power supply, facilitating the transition to zeroemission operations in the future.

Commenting on the arrival of the new mobile harbour crane, Paul Dale, Chief Operating Officer of Forth Ports said: "We have set out ambitious net zero targets across our business and are investing in greener technology to ensure that our operations are sustainable. 

"The Liebherr LHM 550 joins our busy fleet in Tilbury and they will all support our growing bulks and heavy lift work across our port estate. 

"We have a long-term relationship with Liebherr across the group and we are aligned in our commitment to greener operations."

The new crane

Liebherr Great Britain's Port Equipment and Maritime Cranes Sales Manager, Robert Alexander, added: "Liebherr Great Britain is proud to continue supporting the Port of Tilbury, as it invests in cutting-edge equipment to enhance its operations. 

"This state-of-the-art crane joins two existing LHM 550s at Tilbury.

"With advanced green technologies and future-ready design, the LHM 550 aligns perfectly with Forth Ports' ambitious growth plans and sustainability objectives.

"We are honoured to support their leadership in efficient and environmentally responsible logistics.

"Our sincerest thanks to Forth Ports for its trust in Liebherr solutions and its collaboration in achieving this latest milestone."