Above: The CBG 310: with advanced hydraulics and smart digital features, this crane is designed for durability and efficiency. It handles up to 45 tonnes and offers two cabin sizes for comfort and convenience. 
 
TRANSSHIPMENT VESSELS AND EQUIPMENT
Liebherr-Rostock GmbH is renowned for its advanced transshipment solutions, including a range of high-performance, heavy-duty cranes designed for various applications. The CBG series is particularly notable, with models ranging from the CBG 310 to the CBG 500 E offering versatile and efficient cargo-handling solutions.
 
The entry-level model in this series is the CBG 310, which represents a new generation and an upgrade of the CBG 300. This four-rope grab crane is designed primarily for the bulk handling market on floating solutions in both sheltered and open water. This versatile crane can also be installed as a fixed solution in ports. Known for its reliability, more than 150 units of the CBG 300 have been sold already, with the oldest active crane dating back to 1998.
 
COMPARISON BETWEEN CBG 300 AND CBG 310
The CBG 310 crane is an upgraded version of the CBG 300, incorporating several enhancements to meet modern requirements and improve operational efficiency:
 
  • Design and structure: the CBG 310 features a steel construction based on the latest structural analysis methods, providing increased robustness and durability. It also offers two cabin sizes: a standard solution and a comfort version, which is identical to the one used for other Liebherr CBG and Liebherr mobile harbour cranes.
  • Hydraulic system: the drive system of the CBG 310 benefits from a constant pressure system, which offers stable system performance, increased energy efficiency, simple control and reduced wear on hydraulic components.
  • Pipes instead of hoses: Liebherr replaced long-length hose lines with pipes, increasing lifespan and durability, reducing service costs, and thus contributing to easier maintenance. Consequently, pipes are routed more space-efficiently with a smaller bending radius.
  • New standardized control system: with the integration of the latest digital functions, the crane is now primed for automation. The CBG 310 is equipped with the latest digital features such as the Litronic control system (Master V), enhancing operational efficiency and control precision. Additionally, the system’s advanced computing power is now available for further digital solutions, such as SmartGrip (intelligent grab handling) and LiCas (Collision Alert System).
  • Load capacities: the CBG 310 can handle up to 45 tonnes in hook operation and 30 tonnes in grab operation, with a maximum outreach of 30 metres. Relative to the performance of the CBG 300, the load charts have been enhanced by 20%.
  • Speeds: thanks to the technical improvements to the hydraulics, the crane achieves the following speeds: The CBG 310 outperforms the CBG 300 with a maximum hoisting speed of 130m/min (vs. 90m/min) and a slewing speed of 1.2rpm, which represents a 20% improvement. These enhancements significantly boost handling performance, making operations more efficient and powerful. Due to the increase in load capacity and speed, a significant increase in turnover is achieved.
 
 
SUPPORTING STEVEDORES IN THEIR WORK
The cranes of the CBG series significantly support stevedores by providing reliable and efficient transshipment cranes that simplify their tasks. The cranes’ advanced control systems and ergonomic designs ensure that operators can handle cargo with precision and ease. Cabin extensions in various lengths improve visibility on the load, which increases safety during the handling process. Features on the CBG 310, such as the constant pressure hydraulic system, provide stable performance, allowing for precise control and low-fatigue operation. Additionally, the ability to switch quickly between different types of grabs allows stevedores to handle a wide range of commodities without extensive idling periods in various operational conditions, from sheltered waters to open water.
 
MARKET COMPETITIVENESS
Transitioning to crane technology, the development of the CBG 310 was driven by market requirements and changes in classification society regulations. New components ensure future spare parts availability.
 
Liebherr maintains a high level of manufacturing depth by using Liebherr components or specially developed welding processes. It ensures the highest quality standards for materials, which leads it, for example, to define its own recipe for the steel used in Liebherr cranes.
 
By constantly questioning its processes and investing in innovative technologies such as welding robots and machining centres, Liebherr ensures that its manufacturing capabilities remain at the cutting edge, delivering superior quality and efficiency to meet the evolving demands of its customers.
 
To remain competitive, Liebherr is active in many areas. A key focus is sustainability, for which the company’s efforts have been awarded the Gold Medal in the Ecovadis assessment process for several years. The general evaluation criteria include environment, ethics, labour and human rights, and sustainable procurement.
 
TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS
The CBG 310 now operates with constant pressure systems, offering several advantages:
 
  • Stable system performance: constant pressure in the hydraulic system allows for very precise control as the pressure remains constant regardless of load or operating conditions.
  • Efficiency improvement: increased energy efficiency as the constant pressure makes performance more predictable and stable, leading to less energy loss and better energy utilization.
  • Simple control: different consumers have different loads but the same pressure, allowing for simple and effective control. No additional control systems are needed to compensate for varying loads.
  • Wear reduction: reduced wear on hydraulic components as pressure peaks and fluctuations are minimized, resulting in longer lifespans for pumps, valves, and other hydraulic components, saving maintenance costs.
RECENT PROJECTS
The use of Liebherr transshipment cranes for projects worldwide remains consistently strong. Various projects, such as crane barges, transshipment vessels, or Floating Loading Facilities (FLF), are equipped with various numbers of CBG cranes, either with or without an eccentric arm, focusing on both sheltered water and open water operations. The main volumes involve the handling of bulk cargo, which is crucial for the efficiency and connectivity of supply chains. Recently, Liebherr was awarded for the delivery of CBG cranes, especially the CBG 310, for installation on several FLFs for the export of bulk material.
 
COMPANY BACKGROUND
Founded in 2002, Liebherr-Rostock GmbH is a key player in the maritime crane industry, developing and manufacturing ship, mobile harbour, and offshore cranes. The company’s strategic location by the Baltic Sea facilitates the efficient global distribution of their products.
 
Liebherr’s dedication to quality and innovation ensures it remains at the forefront of the maritime crane industry, providing reliable and efficient solutions to meet the diverse needs of its customers.