50 years ago, Liebherr launched its first mobile harbor crane, the LGM 1130. Introduced in 1974, the crane was known for its folding tower design, which enabled greater functionality in container handling to meet the rapid growth of the container shipping business.

This year's major new models also played an important role in advancing the company's products in this field. These include:

▉ The LHM 250, introduced in 1996, which improved efficiency and featured advanced telemetry for remote monitoring

▉ The LHM 500, introduced in 2002, which emphasized environmental sustainability early on

▉ The LHM 550, introduced in 2010, which integrated digital technology and automation

All of these were developed in response to changing market demands.

Over the past 50 years of evolving industry demands, standards and trends, Liebherr has kept pace with the times, drawing on experience to develop its flagship mobile harbor cranes. Upgrades over the years have ultimately enabled them to accommodate larger and heavier cargo while maintaining high standards of performance and reliability. These include updates to the crane tower and boom as well as modifications to the chassis system. In recent years, fully electric cranes optimized for energy efficiency and sustainability have come to the forefront, with the latest LHM series focusing on advanced electronics and sensor technology for future-oriented automation.

Since their introduction in the 1970s, mobile harbor cranes have continued to evolve to meet the changing needs of port operators worldwide. The crane initially featured a relatively slender frame and a folding tower, serving as a backup crane to ship-to-shore container cranes with a lifting capacity of around 35 tonnes. Since then, they have become true heavy-duty machines capable of handling the ever-increasing weights, dimensions and turnover capacity required by growing infrastructure, with the ability to lift over 300 tonnes. Based on technological innovation and research into insights from global port operations, the product development of mobile harbor cranes has advanced with the times. But it has also introduced novel new features, such as assistance systems like SmartGrip and Sycratronic.

After half a century of innovation, Liebherr has emerged as a leader in the global mobile harbor crane market, thanks to customers' continued satisfaction with the Liebherr brand's reliable equipment and comprehensive service network that extends even to the most remote regions. This trust has been built over the years by delivering outstanding performance in the mobile harbor crane sector, making Liebherr the first choice across different regions and product configurations.

Staying at the forefront of digitalization and ergonomics. The mobile harbor crane's cab has undergone a series of innovations to provide crane operators with a more comfortable working environment while meeting the demands of more efficient operation. Data-driven information on crane performance, easy access to assistance systems and a more comfortable interior environment thanks to a new air-conditioning system are just some of the updates that bring improvements.

As the maritime industry continues to evolve, Liebherr remains committed to leading innovation and sustainability. The company focuses on data-driven logistics and, through product innovation, helps build a more renewable port logistics infrastructure, ensuring its cranes are ready for the future.

Liebherr's future vision includes more data-driven logistics, which will improve the operation of offshore crane fleets by mastering data access and optimization. The company also expects substantial growth in renewable port infrastructure, aimed at reducing local emissions and harnessing more renewable energy. Liebherr's mobile harbor cranes are already prepared for these trends, characterized by low noise, high precision, high speed and reduced operating costs.

Modularity contributes to success. "LHM" is just one of the many iterations that make mobile harbor cranes excel in a variety of port environments. The LFS, LPS, LBS and LPM complete the portfolio. Whether mounted on portals, quays or wheels, the cranes can operate wherever they are needed. The image shows the LBS 600 mounted on a barge and the LPS 420 E, the first fully electric gantry crane in Liebherr's portfolio.

Liebherr's extensive sales and service network guarantees that customers receive the support they need wherever they are. This commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction drives everything Liebherr does, ensuring its mobile harbor cranes continue to set standards for the industry.

The evolution of the latest generation of mobile harbor cranes marks the newest generation of mobile harbor cranes. The new "Master V" crane control system, together with advanced sensor integration and digital information transmission, lays the foundation for future automation systems. The new design features an improved ergonomic cab and a sleek, modern color scheme, offering enhanced functionality and aesthetics compared with older versions.

Andreas Ritschel, General Manager of Mobile Harbor Crane Sales at Liebherr-MCCtec Rostock GmbH, said:

"The goal for the next half century is clear: to continuously improve crane technology, adapt quickly to new developments, and maintain the flexibility of a family business through short decision-making paths."

With an outstanding heritage and a vision for the future, Liebherr's mobile harbor cranes will continue to set standards for the industry. That is why Ritschel added:

"Whether in products or service expansion, reliability remains the cornerstone. With a solid foundation of 75 years in the mobile harbor crane sector and 50 years of experience and innovation, Liebherr is poised to remain an industry leader for the next 50 years."