200th Liebherr LHM 400 crane goes into service

From three deliveries in its first year, the LHM 400 has steadily gained market share and in 2002 became the bestseller within Liebherr’s range of eight different mobile harbour cranes. On average, more than 25 machines have been delivered in each of the past three years.

The ‘anniversary machine’ was ordered by Patrick Stevedoring, Australia’s largest stevedore. The LHM 400, which has been put into operation at Patrick’s Port Kembla site, 80 km south of Sydney, will improved the productivity of vessel loading for one of its key customers, Bluescope Steel. With its 104-tonne lifting capacity, maximum outreach of 48 m and excellent slewing speed, the Liebherr crane will allow the consistent double-lifting of steel coils and slabs. Patrick is in its sixth year of contract with Bluescope, handling around 3m tonnes of steel cargoes per annum.

At the commissioning ceremony at the end of August, Patrick Auto Bulk & General Division general manager Steven Ford said: “We greatly look forward to the significant productivity and safety improvements the Liebherr crane will bring to our business as we continue to build on our stevedoring service excellence.”