Estimated reading time: 2 minutes
deugro Germany has successfully transported four Liebherr cranes from Rostock, Germany, to ports in Australia and New Zealand. The consignment included three mobile harbor cranes and one portal crane, destined for Brisbane and Port Kembla in Australia, as well as Timaru and Port Nelson in New Zealand.
The operation involved moving cranes with dimensions reaching up to 70.15 x 28.05 x 45.30 meters and weights exceeding 600 metric tons. Collectively, the shipment encompassed a volume of 238,160.610 cubic meters and a total weight surpassing 2,000 metric tons. To handle these oversized and heavy components, deugro’s Chartering team secured the UHL Fable, a state-of-the-art F900 Eco-Lifter class vessel built in 2024. This vessel, equipped with an IMO Tier III certified main engine, was on its second ocean voyage for this transport.
Christine Steenken, Head of Projects at deugro Germany, highlighted the complexities of the project: “The most challenging aspect was the intricate loading and lashing arrangements, given the different crane types—two LHM 550s, an LPS 550, and an LHM 600—with varying sizes and shapes, all on limited deck space.”
To ensure safe and efficient loading, stowage, and securing of all cranes on a single vessel, deugro collaborated with dteq Transport Engineering Solutions. Their engineers meticulously reviewed the carrier’s technical documentation, including method statements, lifting and rigging plans, stowage plans, and seafastening calculations, prior to execution. Two marine transport engineers were present on-site to supervise each operational step, while additional experts provided support from the back office, facilitating communication between the carrier and the manufacturer.
Sorour Elagami, Marine Transport Engineer at dteq Germany, emphasized the importance of detailed preparation: “The tight stowage on strictly limited space—including laying down crane booms onto container towers and applying lashing chains at height—required meticulous planning, precise operations, teamwork, and attention to detail. Every step had to be flawlessly executed to ensure the safety of both personnel and cargo.”
Thanks to comprehensive technical preparation and close coordination among all partners, the four cranes were delivered safely, on schedule, and within budget. This project underscores deugro’s expertise in managing complex heavy-lift transports and highlights the capabilities of modern eco-friendly vessels like the UHL Fable in facilitating such operations.
