Wedoany.com Report on Feb 24th, Liebherr Transform's upgrade and retrofit service recently completed a crane heightening project at the Port of Grangemouth in Scotland. Operated by Forth Ports, the project involved the modification of two Liebherr STS cranes, aiming to enhance the port's container handling capacity.

Grangemouth Port is Scotland's largest container terminal, equipped with three Liebherr ship-to-shore cranes, including one delivered in 2018 and two delivered in 2006. Among these, the first two cranes have undergone heightening modifications via the Liebherr Transform service, with all three cranes being raised by 2.2 meters. This modification supports higher container stacking and larger straddle carriers, extends the equipment's service life, and prepares the port for future operations. Liebherr stated, "The heightening modification helps improve container handling performance to meet the demands of market changes."

The heightening modification was not only undertaken to handle higher deck stacks but also addressed challenges arising from Forth Ports' implementation of a four-high straddle carrier project since 2019. This project aimed to increase yard capacity by 50%, but the four-high straddle carriers could not pass beneath the crane's portal beam, limiting their operational range. By adding a section to the crane's lower legs, the height of the portal beam was increased, eliminating this restriction and ensuring the straddle carriers could operate over a wider area.

Handling over 250,000 TEUs annually, the project at Grangemouth Port had to be planned around its busy operations. Liebherr Transform kept two cranes operational on the rails throughout the entire construction period, minimizing disruption to terminal operations. The heightening of each crane was completed in just six weeks. Liebherr added, "This demonstrates our capability to provide innovative, customer-centric solutions that enhance performance without compromising productivity."

Craig Torrance, Asset Manager at the Port of Grangemouth, said, "Our crane upgrade is a significant step forward as we ensure our container operations are future-ready for our customers. The terminal's ability to handle higher container stacks and larger straddle carriers ensures we remain competitive and efficient in a rapidly changing market. Our collaboration with Liebherr has been successful, and we appreciate the team for completing the project with minimal disruption, which was crucial for our operations."

The crane heightening project extends the equipment's service life, highlighting the value of sustainable solutions. Oran Kane, Global Manager for Upgrades and Retrofits at Liebherr Container Cranes Ltd., said, "This project underscores the value of Liebherr Transform. Instead of replacing the existing cranes, we helped unlock new capabilities and extended the cranes' operational lifespan. It's a cost-effective, sustainable solution that delivers long-term value for Forth Ports Grangemouth." Liebherr concluded, "This approach reflects our commitment to designing sustainable solutions that maximize return on investment, reduce environmental impact, and minimize expenditure." Through the Liebherr Transform upgrade and retrofit service, the crane heightening project at Grangemouth Port not only enhanced handling capacity but also achieved economic benefits and environmental goals.