Montecon goes big with giant Liebherr mobile harbour crane LHM 800
Montecon opts for the first LHM 800 in container handling configuration. This mighty machine comes with massive dimensions for the highly efficient handling of large container vessels. Montecon’s LHM 800 will start operation in 2016.
As ever larger vessels are ordered and deployed on main routes, ships originally used for these lanes displace vessel on secondary routes. As a result, ports around the world have to handle bigger vessels and need to amend their equipment and infrastructure to maintain competitiveness.
Based in Uruguay, Montecon is directly affected by the global cascade effect and proactively responds to changing requirements. The new Liebherr mobile harbour crane LHM 800 is the latest investment of the Uruguayan company. Juan Olascoaga, General Manager at Montecon, is looking forward to the crane: “We are proud of being the first terminal worldwide which is going to operate the world’s largest mobile harbour crane in container handling configuration. No mobile harbour crane ever before provided an eye level of more than 40 metres, which truly eases and speeds up the handling of large container vessels.”
“This forward-looking investment underlines our pioneering role in South America. Our customers will directly benefit from the outstanding capabilities of this new versatile cargo handling solution,” Mr Olascoaga continues.
22 container rows across
The LHM 800 is the most advanced mobile solution for the handling of large container vessels. In container handling configuration the eye level is above 40m and the fulcrum point is above 36m which naturally eases the handling of vessels. Thanks to its mighty outreach of 64m, the LHM 800 is able to efficiently service container vessels which are as wide as 22 container rows. The LHM 800 continues the LHM-range’s tradition of high working speeds by hoisting and lowering containers with 120m per minute. This allows for up to 45 boxes per hour.
360 degrees of mobility
In order to shorten demurrage, Montecon services one vessel with up to five LHMs. The more mobile harbour cranes are working on the same ship, the more important is the mobility of these cargo handling solutions. Like the complete Liebherr mobile harbour crane range, the LHM 800 relies on the highly successful x-shaped undercarriage. The cruciform supporting system is unrivalled in terms of stability and operational safety. Moreover, the rubber-tyred undercarriage with its unique steering system provides unlimited mobility.
Long-term partnership
Montecon has been using Liebherr mobile harbour cranes for more than 14 years. The models of their fleet reflect the growth of vessel sizes. In 2001, Liebherr delivered two mobile harbour cranes, type LHM 400, to Montecon. Three years later the first LHM 500 started operation in the Uruguayan terminal, followed by a second LHM 500 in 2006.
In 2012 and 2013, Montecon invested again heavily in Liebherr mobile harbour cranes and ordered three LHM 600s, the largest model at this time. One of these LHM 600s is based on a special design. An elongated tower extension ensures that the position of the boom fulcrum is higher than 30 metres. The higher fulcrum point eases the handling of bigger vessels. Additionally, a higher tower cabin provides better sight into the ship for the crane driver. All advantages come without any influence on safety or operational parameters like lifting capacity and travelling speed.
In 2016, Liebherr is going to deliver the world’s largest mobile harbour crane to Montecon. The LHM 800 in container configuration is a future-oriented addition to their existing cargo handling fleet. Thanks to the existing LHMs and the new LHM 800, Montevideo represents a highly attractive port of call for shipping lines.
Cargo handling at its best
Liebherr Maritime Cranes has set high standards with the introduction of the LHM 800. The new crane is another important step in developing new fields of application for mobile harbour cranes. This giant machine represents a new opportunity for many ports in the world to add a mobile and versatile solution to their cargo handling fleet, allowing for more flexibility and more capacity. The LHM 800 is a valuable addition to the Liebherr range. Due to the huge interest from the market, Liebherr Maritime Cranes is optimistic that more LHM 800 orders will follow in the coming months.
