Liebherr’s Ram Luffing cranes for German Baltic Sea coast

The energy transition is in full swing. According to the German government, the share of renewable energies in gross electricity consumption should increase to at least 80 per cent by 2030. Offshore wind power is expected to play a key role in the energy transition. The Ostwind 3 and OST-6-1 grid connection projects, which are progressing according to plan, will be supported by Liebherr’s RL cranes in the future.

With the two platforms OSS Zingst and OSS Darß operated by 50Hertz and a total capacity for the OST-6-1-System of around 900 MW, this is currently the largest and most powerful offshore wind farm in the German Baltic Sea. Both platforms are under construction with HSI.

The cranes of the RL series are characterised by their weight-optimised and robust design, making them ideal for use on offshore platforms. The RL 900 convinces with a maximum lifting capacity of up to 30 tonnes and is primarily used for maintenance and supply work on platforms.

The OSS Jasmund, which is currently also under construction, is the third grid connection project of the Ostwind 3 project in the Baltic Sea. The offshore wind farm is located around 42 kilometres north-east of the island of Rügen off the German Baltic coast. The 25 square-kilometre wind farm area is expected to generate 300 megawatts of power in the future, enough to supply electricity for 260,000 households.

“We are proud to have an impact on the energy transition with our products and are aware that we are making a significant contribution to the success of our customers. We are therefore delighted that HSI has decided to realise this project together with Liebherr and that a locally produced product of the highest quality will be used off the Baltic coast of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern,” explains Stefan Schneider, Global Application Manager for General Purpose Offshore Cranes.

Optimal design enables reliable and flexible crane control

In addition to its compactness, the RL 900 from Liebherr impresses with other features. Its low construction height and small tail radius allow it to perform optimally even in confined spaces. The slewing column, as the base element of the crane, includes the main drive, the electronic control system, and the central hydraulic power pack. Liebherr’s combination of continuous research, favourable design, and customer experience sets the benchmark for today’s offshore industry.

Equipped with semi-automatic LiMain maintenance concept

The three RL 900 cranes will also be equipped with the LiMain maintenance concept. LiMain refers to the specially designed Liebherr maintenance system, which completely rethinks the approach to maintenance. Platform operators face challenges when it comes to maintaining their systems, which result from the prevailing environmental influences alone. The fully digital, remote-controlled, and semi-automated maintenance system enables increased autonomy for both manned and unmanned platforms. The benefits lie in a cost- and resource-saving solution that results in up to a 75 % reduction in mobilisation on unmanned platforms. As a product with modular system architecture, LiMain offers maximum flexibility to determine the degree of autonomy and the scope of intelligent maintenance.

With the delivery of three offshore cranes, Liebherr is actively contributing to the energy transition and, with LiMain, is also contributing to revolutionising offshore maintenance. This innovative approach supports the sustainable development of offshore wind farms and sets new standards for the future of intelligent maintenance in the maritime industry.