LHM - A powerful all-rounder
Liebherr’s range of mobile harbour cranes (LHM) is extremely versatile making it an universal all-rounder. The LHM is a key asset for handling all types of cargo from containers to bulk commodities, general cargo and even heavy lifts up to 308 tonnes at 18 metres outreach and up to 100 tonnes at 47 metres outreach. The product range covers all vessel sizes up to megamax and capesize.
Versatile drive systems
Liebherr has been a pioneer in low- and zero-exhaust-emission technologies for over a quarter century. Our mobile harbour cranes, when equipped with electric drives, are locally emission-free, provided the necessary infrastructure is in place. This not only reduces emissions but also leads to lower operating costs. Hybrid drives are a standard part of our mobile harbour crane portfolio, allowing a variety of port infrastructures to be accommodated.
This commitment to sustainability is evident in products like the LPS 420 E, as well as existing cranes that are built or retro-fitted with fully electric drives.
Our mobile harbour cranes in action
Unique features of our mobile harbour cranes
4-chord boom
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Hydrostatic drive
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Tubular tower design
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Individual wheel sets
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Luffing cylinder
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X-Shaped support base
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Machinery housing
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Assistance systems for mobile harbour cranes
Designed for modularity and tailored to your port
Liebherr’s mobile harbour crane system features a unified upper structure and a selection of undercarriages. Whether mobile, rail-mounted, fixed, barge-based, or gantry-style, each variant is engineered to meet unique port conditions.
On rails – Liebherr Portal Slewing (LPS)
On water – Liebherr Barge Slewing (LBS)
On point – Liebherr Fixed Slewing (LFS)
On wheels – Liebherr Portal Mobile (LPM)
The Original – Liebherr Harbour Mobile (LHM)
Areas of applications
Container handling
The cranes are able to serve vessels with widths of up to 22 rows of containers, which means from Feeder ships up to Ultra Large Container Vessels (ULCV). Using manual, semi or fully automatic telescopic spreaders, all regular container sizes between 10’ and 53’ in single or twin lift can be handled.
Bulk handling
Liebherr offers a wide product portfolio for highly effective bulk handling using various types of grabs. With a maximum material handling rate of up to 2,300 tonnes per hour, mobile harbour cranes from Liebherr are not only suitable for inland ports, but also large sea ports.
General cargo
Lifting attachments can be quickly and easily exchanged to suit the actual handling requirements. Litronic, Liebherr’s own crane control system, automatically recognizes and pre-selects the lifting device ensuring unique versatility and continuity.
Heavy lift handling
Liebherr’s flagship model in the mobile harbour crane sector has a maximum load capacity of 308 tonnes at 18 metres outreach, which can even be doubled in tandem operation. With this high tonnage Liebherr proves its conviction to satisfy ever-increasing market demands.
FAQs about Liebherr Mobile harbour cranes
The Liebherr mobile harbour crane (LHM) is available with five undercarriage options to suit diverse operational environments:
- Rubber tyre for maximum mobility (LHM - Liebherr Harbour Mobile)
- Rail portal for integration into rail-based infrastructure (LPS - Liebherr Portal Slewing)
- Fixed pedestal for permanent quayside installation (LFS - Liebherr Fixed Slewing)
- Rubber tyre portal for elevated clearance with flexibility (LPM - Liebherr Portal Mobile)
- And floating for barge-mounted applications (LBS - Liebherr Barge Slewing)
Each configuration ensures optimal performance, stability, and adaptability to specific port requirements.
Yes, the base structure of a Liebherr mobile harbour crane can be upgraded or changed later, depending on technical feasibility and commercial viability. While modifications are possible, they may not always be cost-effective. In such cases, Liebherr offers trade-in options or support through the used crane market to ensure continued operational value and flexibility for your investment.
The main differences between LHM, LPS, LBS, LFS, and LPM lie in the design of the structure below the slewing bearing, tailored to specific operational needs. LHM is mobile on rubber tyres, LPS is rail-mounted, LBS is barge-mounted, LFS is fixed on a pedestal, and LPM is a mobile portal version. This structural flexibility allows Liebherr cranes to adapt precisely to various port layouts and logistical requirements.
For quays with limited space, the most suitable LHM variants are the LPS, LPM, LFS, and LBS. These configurations offer compact footprints and fixed or rail-mounted solutions that minimise the need for manoeuvring room. They provide efficient operation in space-constrained environments while maintaining full lifting performance and operational flexibility.
Yes, the LHM 550, LHM 600, and LHM 800 models are specifically engineered to operate on barges or floating platforms. These variants offer full crane functionality while maintaining stability and performance on water, making them ideal for transshipment operations where quayside infrastructure is limited or unavailable.
Rail infrastructure is required only for the LPS model, which is designed for rail-mounted operation. However, Liebherr can tailor the LPS to match the client’s existing rail infrastructure, ensuring seamless integration into the port environment. The LPM, by contrast, is a mobile portal crane on rubber tyres and does not require rails, offering flexible deployment where fixed track systems are not available.
Liebherr’s modular design enhances serviceability by allowing targeted maintenance and efficient part replacement. While non-standard configurations may require additional effort, Liebherr’s integrated supply chain ensures rapid availability of components—up to 95% of spare parts can be shipped within one day. This approach minimises downtime and supports long-term operational reliability, even for customised crane setups.
The Liebherr LHM stands out for its proven, robust design, tailored to the demands of modern port operations. It combines decades of engineering excellence with continuous innovation, including advanced technologies for efficiency, safety, and sustainability. Energy-efficient features such as electric drive, hybrid systems, and unplugged operation reduce emissions and support sustainable port operations. The production site, Liebherr-Rostock GmbH, has been awarded the EcoVadis Gold Medal for its achievements in sustainability. Advanced assistance systems further enhance safety, while responsive service and global support make the LHM a reliable long-term partner. Ultimately, the LHM is part of the Liebherr family, delivering long-term value and performance you can trust.
