Liebherr crane selected for Casablanca Port

Marsa Maroc has selected a Liebherr LPS 550 portal slewing crane for bulk cargo operations at the Port of Casablanca, marking the arrival of Africa’s first Liebherr portal slewing crane.

The investment expands Marsa Maroc’s cargo-handling capabilities while strengthening its established relationship with Liebherr. The rail-mounted LPS 550 combines high lifting capacity with a compact portal design intended to preserve valuable quay space and support efficient vessel handling.

“Our cooperation with Liebherr has consistently demonstrated the value of reliable equipment, responsive support and a shared understanding of our operational requirements,” a Marsa Maroc representative said. “The introduction of the first LPS crane in Africa represents an important step in our development and supports our objectives for continued growth.”

The crane has been configured for the operational demands of Casablanca, one of Morocco’s most important commercial gateways. The port covers more than 450 hectares, features over eight kilometres of quays and can accommodate up to 40 vessels simultaneously.

Marsa Maroc operates 35 terminals across 21 ports and handles approximately 67 million tonnes of cargo annually. The latest project follows the delivery of three Liebherr LHM 550 mobile harbour cranes in 2024, adding a dedicated bulk-handling solution to its equipment fleet.

Casablanca handles diverse cargoes including containers, steel products, cereals, animal feed, minerals and vehicles. In 2025, Marsa Maroc managed more than 19 million tonnes of cargo and nearly 1.1 million teu across its Casablanca operations.

Additional Liebherr cranes are scheduled for delivery to terminals in Nador and Tangier as Marsa Maroc expands capacity across its wider network.

“Marsa Maroc already operates Liebherr cranes at several locations, and the addition of an LPS 550 further broadens that relationship,” said Andreas Ritschel, general manager Sales Mobile Harbour Cranes at Liebherr-Rostock. He said the project demonstrated how different products could be matched to specific terminal requirements.

Liebherr Marocco will provide local service expertise and technical support throughout the equipment’s operating life, complementing Liebherr’s wider maritime support network.