The deck carrier Zhong Ren 121 achieved a major milestone on Saturday by arriving at the port of Hamburg for the first time, carrying an extraordinary shipment for Liebherr Container Crane Ltd. This operation was a testament to innovative engineering and precise planning, highlighting the expertise of our teams in overcoming unique challenges.

The cargo consisted of three state-of-the-art ship-to-shore cranes, each semi-assembled and erected. With dimensions of 135 meters in length, 31 meters in width, and 43 meters in height, and weighing 1,750 tons each, these cranes were designed to enhance container handling efficiency at HHLA Container Terminal Altenwerder (CTA).

The journey began in Cork, Ireland, where the cranes were loaded onto the vessel using roll-on operations via SPMTs on the starboard side. Discharging the cranes in Hamburg required a tailored approach due to the high quay level at the terminal, which prevented lateral unloading. Our engineering team devised a solution that involved mooring the vessel perpendicular to the quay and discharging the cranes via the stern. This complex manoeuvre required precise ballasting and tide synchronization to ensure the vessel’s stern aligned perfectly with the quay.

The operation also involved careful navigation under Hamburg’s Köhlbrandbrücke bridge during low tide, with only three meters of clearance between the cargo and the bridge. The vessel’s arrival and discharge required close coordination with local port authorities to manage traffic restrictions along the Elbe River and at the terminal.

These innovative dual trolley cranes represent a significant investment in the efficiency and capacity of the HHLA terminal, reinforcing its status as one of Europe’s most advanced container handling facilities.

We extend our gratitude to all teams involved in making this operation a success, from meticulous pre-planning to flawless execution. This project exemplifies our commitment to engineering excellence and operational precision, further cementing our reputation as a trusted partner in delivering extraordinary cargo.