Florida Facility Acquires Second Liebherr Mobile Harbor Crane
By Simon West
Florida’s Port Canaveral has expanded its cargo handling and heavy-lift capacities after investing US$7.4 million in a second mobile harbor crane.
The new crane, a Liebherr LHM 600 ‘evo 6’, is an upgrade on the last generation mobile harbor crane and joins the port’s Liebherr LHM 600 ‘evo 5’, which began operations in early 2019.
“The addition of a second mobile harbor crane will enhance the port’s competitive advantage and increase its capacity to manage heavy-lift and breakbulk/project cargo,” Capt. John Murray, CEO at Port Canaveral, told Breakbulk. “It will serve to meet the rising demands of space launch providers and their related cargo requirements, supporting their operations effectively.”
Weighing 696 tons and standing 320 feet tall, the Liebherr LHM 600 ‘evo 6’ boasts a maximum lift capacity of 154 tons and a jib length of 200 feet. Its 20-container reach allows for containers to be stacked nine high on deck, versus an 18-container reach for the ‘evo 5’.
The crane chassis, boom assembly, and other components were transported to Port Canaveral’s North Cargo Berth 5, or NCB5, aboard BBC Chartering’s multipurpose vessel BBC Moonstone. Terminal operator Ambassador Services handled offloading operations.
Assembly, testing and certification of the new crane is expected to be completed by mid-to-late March, the port said.
“Port Canaveral has seen substantial growth in terminal operations, marked by rising demands for cargo services. We’re collaborating closely with our terminal operators to pursue opportunities in diverse cargo types that align with the demands of our region, fostering synergies along the way,” Murray added.
Port Canaveral, located in central Florida close to Orlando, derives 80 percent of its revenues from its cruise business, but the facility with its 11 deepwater berths is also a key hub for breakbulk, project, container, RoRo, and other cargo operations.
The port last year launched its newly renovated North Cargo Berth 3, or NCB3, following the completion of a US$48 million overhaul.
Port Canaveral will be exhibiting at Breakbulk Americas 2024 in Houston on 15-17 October.
