J. MÜLLER and Liebherr are setting new standards in port logistics
J. MÜLLER has put a new, state-of-the-art crane into operation at its site in Brake, Germany that sets new standards in port logistics. The LPS 600 series crane, developed jointly by Liebherr and J. MÜLLER, is the most powerful crane of its kind in Germany and was specially designed for the requirements of the seaport of Brake. It can be used for both bulk and general cargo handling and replaces old crane systems from the 1970s. The total investment in the crane is 7.5 million euros. In addition, a further 2.5 million euros will be invested in a hopper and a technical connection to the existing silo system. This enables the new crane to unload ships directly into the silo system. The connection is an ideal addition to the two pneumatic grain elevators already in the harbour. These investments in modern technology strengthen the competitiveness of the port of Brake. The crane is part of a modernisation concept that was developed by J. MÜLLER when it took over the crane operation in 2021.
Olaf Lies, Niedersachsens Minister for Economic Affairs, Transport, Building and Digitalisation said: "The new high-performance crane at the seaport of Brake is an impressive example of the innovative strength and future-oriented development of our port infrastructure in Lower Saxony." This investment not only strengthens the competitiveness of the Brake site, it also sets new standards in port logistics. The crane, developed by Liebherr in collaboration with J. MÜLLER, combines state-of-the-art technology with sustainable efficiency and shows that we in Lower Saxony are ready to take on the challenges of the future and actively address them. The investment in this crane is a clear commitment to strengthening the port of Brake as an important logistics centre in our region."
Cedric Witten, Head of Technology/IT at J. MÜLLER said: "The cooperation with Liebherr was excellent. Our team, and in particular our technical and operational colleagues, as well as our experienced crane operators, were in close contact with the manufacturer to ensure that the crane meets our specific requirements."
"This crane sets new standards in port logistics and is proof of Liebherr's innovative strength and technical expertise." We are delighted to have completed this project together with J. MÜLLER and are sure that the crane will significantly increase efficiency in the Port of Brake," said Eric Hein, Sales Manager for Mobile Harbour Cranes at Liebherr-MCCtec Rostock GmbH.
The crane, which sits on a specially developed gantry, is characterised by its impressive performance. Liebherr gantry cranes combine space-saving gantry travelling gear with efficient mobile harbour crane technology. Customised product solutions enable the efficient transport of the transshipped goods on the crane track, especially at quays with limited space. When handling bulk goods, the LPS 600 can achieve throughputs of up to 800 tonnes per hour under ideal conditions for the transshipped goods handled in Brake. With an outreach of up to 61 metres. When transshipping general cargo, the crane can lift loads of 90 tonnes up to a reach of 27 metres and 65 tonnes up to a reach of 35 metres. The electric drive reduces carbon emissions and energy costs, and is therefore in line with J. MÜLLER's ecological and economic sustainability goals. In addition, the new cab design of the LPS 600 improves driver comfort and safety.
The intensive development and construction period lasted 21 months, and approx. 650 tonnes of steel were used. Manufactured in Rostock, Germany, the crane was shipped to Brake in one piece, which was a major logistical challenge for a crane of this size. Before shipping, all the necessary permits and documents had to be obtained, and the entire logistics chain had to be planned and coordinated in detail. A heavy-cargo ship capable of transporting heavy and oversized loads was contracted for the transport. Due to the size of the crane, the ship could not pass through the Kiel Canal (between the North Sea and Baltic Sea) and had to take the alternative route across the North Sea. After final installation, calibration and various test runs, as well as training for the crane operators, the crane was put into operation immediately.
"With this investment, we are sending a clear signal for the future of the port of Brake. The new crane enables us to handle our transshipment activities even more efficiently and strengthens our position as a leading logistics service provider," explained Jan Müller, CEO of J. MÜLLER AG.
Inauguration photos 1, from left to right: Holger Banik Managing Director Niedersachsen Ports; Andreas Ritschel, Sales Manager Liebherr-MCCtec Rostock GmbH; Niedersachsens Minister for Economic Affairs, Transport, Building and Digitization, Olaf Lies; Jan Müller, Chairman of the Board J. MÜLLER AG; Andreas Müller, Managing Director Sales Liebherr-MCCtec Rostock GmbH; Eric Hein, Sales Liebherr-MCCtec Rostock GmbH, Michael Kurz, Mayor of Brake, Unterweser; Andreas Kopf, Managing Director Liebherr MCCtec Vertriebs- und Service GmbH, Hamburg