Liebherr Container Cranes has confirmed the completion of a major crane raise project at Forth Ports Grangemouth. Two ship-to-shore (STS) gantry cranes have had their lift height increased by 2.2 meters, unlocking enhanced operational capabilities for Scotland’s largest container port.
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The Port of Grangemouth is Scotland’s largest container terminal and operates three Liebherr ship-to-shore gantry cranes: one crane delivered in 2018, and two cranes delivered in 2006. The first two cranes have now undergone a Liebherr Transform crane raise, extending their operational lifespan and futureproofing the port’s container handling capabilities. All three cranes were originally designed with state-of-the-art features, ensuring safe and reliable container handling at the port for nearly two decades.
Taller cranes for taller straddle carriers
Handling over 250,000 TEUs annually, the busy port faces the challenge of adapting to increasing container volumes and evolving equipment requirements. Recent operational changes, including higher container stacks and the introduction of larger, next-generation straddle carriers, necessitated increased clearance beneath the STS cranes to maintain safe and efficient operations.
Liebherr Transform delivered a crane raise upgrade, increasing the lift height of the two STS cranes by 2.2 meters. Crucially, both cranes remained on the rail throughout the project, minimising disruption to terminal operations. Each crane was successfully raised in just six weeks, demonstrating Liebherr’s ability to deliver innovative, customer-focused solutions that enhance container handling performance without compromising productivity.
Speaking about the project, Craig Torrance, Asset Manager at The Port of Grangemouth, commented: “Our crane upgrade is a significant step forward as we ensure that we future proof our container operations for our customers. The ability to handle higher container stacks and larger straddle carriers at the terminal ensures we remain competitive and efficient in a fast-changing market. Our partnership with Liebherr is a success and we are grateful to the team who delivered the project with minimal disruption, which was critical for our operations.”
Sustainable upgrade for increased performance
Liebherr Transform’s crane raise has not only increased the cranes’ height but also extended their service life, enabling the cranes to meet the requirements of modern container handling, now and into the future. Oran Kane, Global Manager – Upgrades at Liebherr Container Cranes Ltd. commented: “This project highlights the value of Liebherr Transform. Rather than replacing the existing cranes, we helped to unlock new capabilities and extend the crane service life. It’s a cost-effective, sustainable solution that delivers long-term value for Forth Ports Grangemouth.” This approach reflects Liebherr’s commitment to engineering sustainable solutions that maximise return on investment, reduce environmental impact, and minimise expenditure.