The year 2011 was a very successful one for Liebherr mobile harbour cranes, and in terms of turnover was the second best in history. Additional highlights were the market introduction of the new LHM 420 and the third ‘Crane of the Year’ trophy.
Despite positive signs from the industry seen in 2010, the economic environment is still challenging. With regards to the excessive public debt in various countries, it is quite complex to forecast development of global trade in 2012. In such an environment, Liebherr mobile harbour cranes provide competitive advantages thanks to outstanding flexibility regarding application and their unrivalled efficiency related to the new Pactronic® hybrid drive system.
The cargo handling industry develops steadily, consequently new needs arise. For instance, demand for even bigger vessels is still high and bulk handling is becoming more and more important. In order to meet new customer needs Liebherr is always developing and optimizing their product range. For that reason Liebherr presented another new LHM model in 2011, just one year after expanding its portfolio with the LHM 550.
 
NEW MODEL LHM 420
In March 2011, Liebherr unveiled its latest model LHM 420, being the successor of the LHM 400. This mobile harbour crane bridges the gap between LHM 550 and LHM 280. The LHM 420 is available in two variants with maximum lifting capacities of 84 and 124 tonnes. Thanks to a maximum outreach of 48 metres, this new type is ideal for loading and unloading a wide variety of vessels up to post-Panamax class. During development phase, close attention was paid to a function-optimized design. As a result, the utilization of the tubular, lightweight tower design reduces corner loads by 12% compared to its predecessor. Moreover, Liebherr’s ultra-modern Pactronic® hybrid drive system is available for the LHM 420, enabling even faster and extra eco- friendly cargo handling.
Ports worldwide need to stay commercially attractive against fierce competition. Fast cargo handling is therefore a fundamental requirement and acquiring a Liebherr mobile harbour crane constitutes a decisive step towards attaining this goal. The third consecutive ‘Crane of the Year’ award is testament to the outstanding competitiveness and high quality of Liebherr mobile harbour cranes.
 
CRANE OF THE YEAR – LPS 600
In November 2011, the portal crane LPS 600 won the prestigious ‘Crane of the Year’ trophy awarded by the International Bulk Journal, marking Liebherr’s third win in a row in this category. The award-winning model convinced the international judging panel, represented by several experienced experts in the Maritime Bulk Industry.
In 2011, Liebherr delivered a remarkable total of 49 mobile harbour cranes in 4-rope configuration for dedicated bulk handling. This confirms the on-going positive market development with 216 deliveries in the past five years.
 
SALES REVIEW AND OUTLOOK
The year 2008 was Liebherr’s most successful with 102 mobile harbour cranes supplied to customers worldwide. After this unrivalled peak, deliveries went down by approximately one third due to the global economic downturn. In 2010 sales figures stabilized, providing a solid base for a successful 2011.
Regardless of economic and political unsteadiness around the globe, LHM shipments returned to the same remarkable level as in 2007. In 2011, Liebherr supplied 85 mobile harbour cranes to customers worldwide. In terms of turnover, Liebherr’s Mobile Harbour Crane department achieved a total of €263 million, a jump of 25% compared to 2010.
With regards to regional distribution of turnover, Europe is still by far the biggest market accounting for 30%, which is a minus of 8% compared to 2010. Followed by Latin America (20%), India (16%) and Africa (14%), the ranking is the same as last year with small upturns regarding percentage. One aspect that is promising is the development in Far East Asia, driven by Indonesia and Singapore, with a plus of 9% and North America doubling up to 8%.
Moreover, 2011 was the first year after the market launch of Liebherr’s Pactronic® hybrid drive system. This system boosts turnover by 30% and reduces exhaust emissions as well as fuel consumption by 30% at the same time. Currently, Pactronic® is available for two crane types, LHM 550 and the new LHM 420. Already one third of relevant deliveries in 2011 are equipped with this ultra-modern hybrid drive system. This is a huge success for Liebherr and exceeds all expectations. Consequently Pactronic® will be gradually rolled out on more crane models and by 2013 offered on Liebherr’s entire mobile harbour crane range.
With regards to 2012, order backlog looks very promising and even exceeds the amount of LHMs ordered at the same stage one year ago. For that reason, Liebherr is on the right track to accomplish 2012 in the range of the remarkable turnover realized in 2011.