Liebherr cranes boost Belgian activity

The two LHM 600 cranes each provide a maximum lifting capacity of 208 tonnes and an outreach of up to 58m, and enable Katoen Natie to now offer high-capacity tandem lifts to its customers. The installation of Sycratronic means one crane operator can safely handle heavy loads of up to 416 tonnes in tandem operation.

“Thanks to our two new LHM 600s we have expanded our portfolio and are now capable of lifting loads as heavy as 416 tonnes, which is unique in Belgium,” said Joos Melis, commercial director of Katoen Natie.

In addition, Liebherr delivered an LHM 550 – the most in-demand Liebherr crane – for Antwerp. The new machine is equipped with Pactronic hybrid power booster, which is said to boost turnover capacity by 30%. The hybrid drive is also said to reduce fuel consumption and CO2 and exhaust emissions by around 30%, depending on the operation.

Liebherr also delivered a new LHM 420 for Katoen’s operations in Radicatel, France. The all-purpose crane will be used for general cargo operation, container and bulk handling. Liebherr’s latest model, it provides an outreach of 48m and a maximum lifting capacity of 124 tonnes.

Katoen says these new cranes will increase its competitiveness in break bulk cargo, including steel and forest products.

“We are very optimistic that these state-of-the-art giants in combination with our long-term experience in safe and efficient cargo handling will attract new customers. Our existing customers will also highly benefit from this significant investment as we have speeded up our vessel turnaround times,” added Mr Melis.