Liebherr: top pick in Latin America
Liebherr’s Mobile Harbour Crane (LHM) 600 crane is proving popular with Latin America, with a total of 10 units being sold to the region in the past 12 months alone.
With an outreach of 58m and twin lift capability, the LHM is capable of servicing vessels up to 19 container rows.
The first LHM 600 was delivered in 2009, followed by two further deliveries in 2010. In 2011, the number of units rose to three, and in 2012, the number reached five units. Liebherr says it expects this record to be easily topped in 2013.
Liebherr recently developed the crane to feature an extended tower extension, which ensures the position of the tower cabin is higher than 37m, providing better sight into the ship for the crane operator.
The first of these specially designed LHM 600s will begin operation in September 2013.
Brazil is the largest market in Latin America for LHMs. So far, three cranes have been ordered by Chibatão Navegação e Comércio LTDA in Manaus.
These Liebherr Barge Slewing (LBS) cranes are a combination of the mobile harbour crane and a fixed pedestal mounted on a barge. LBS cranes provide an economical and space-saving solution for the installation on quaysides and jetties.
LHM’s have also been ordered for use in Argentina, Uruguay and Mexico.
Due to the high demand, Liebherr has invested some SU$20m in a new sales and service centre in Miami.
Opened in June, the new centre serves as a major hub for the company’s maritime cranes division and will further strengthen business relations in the Latin American region.