In a move to bolster its cargo operations, Port Canaveral proudly announces the arrival of its second mobile harbor crane, the impressive Liebherr “LHM 600 evo 6.” This acquisition, standing at a towering 320 feet, marks a significant leap forward in the port’s ability to handle a diverse cargo portfolio. The new crane, joining its predecessor, the LHM 600 evo 5 operational since January 2019, underscores Port Canaveral’s commitment to meeting the growing demands of the state’s supply chain efficiently.
Captain John Murray, CEO of Port Canaveral, emphasized the strategic investment, stating, “We have a commitment to support the state’s growing supply chain demands efficiently and effectively. Investing in state-of-the-art equipment like this bolsters our ability to handle a broad spectrum of cargo and increases our capacity to manage heavy lift operations like space components.”
The components of the LHM 600 evo 6, including the crane chassis and boom assembly, arrived at Port Canaveral’s North Cargo Berth 5 (NCB5) via the cargo vessel MV BBC Moonstone. Ambassador Services International, collaborating with the ship’s personnel, efficiently handled the offloading of these heavy components. The assembly, testing, and certification of the crane are expected to be completed by mid-to-late March.
Manufactured by the renowned Liebherr Group in Germany, the LHM 600 evo 6 stands out as a larger and more robust version of the previous generation mobile harbor crane. Surpassing its predecessor, the “evo 6” boasts an impressive 32 axles, 128 wheels, weighing in at 696 tons, and showcasing a lift capability of up to 154 tons with a jib length of 200 feet. Notably, its 20-container reach allows for stacking containers nine high on deck, a significant improvement compared to the evo 5’s 18-container reach.
The Canaveral Port Authority Board of Commissioners approved a substantial $7.4 million investment in 2022 to acquire this cutting-edge crane. The financial commitment was partially mitigated by a $2.8 million grant awarded to the Port by the Florida Department of Transportation, demonstrating collaborative efforts to enhance maritime infrastructure.
Port Canaveral’s acquisition of the LHM 600 evo 6 stands as a testament to its dedication to innovation and efficiency in cargo handling. This strategic investment aligns with the port’s mission to be at the forefront of meeting the evolving demands of the state’s supply chain. As the assembly progresses, the LHM 600 evo 6 is set to play a pivotal role in expanding the port’s capacity for heavy lift operations and diverse cargo handling.
Source:Port Canaveral
