By Eva Richardson – The Logistic News
March 21, 2025 – A fusion of tradition and innovation marks the 2,000th delivery of Liebherr’s mobile harbour crane (LHM 600), set to play a pivotal role in Marcegaglia’s logistics operations at the Port of Ravenna, Italy. The LHM 600, designed to handle New-Panamax vessels, will primarily be used for loading and unloading steel products such as coils, sheets, and strips.
Featuring a hydrostatic drive and state-of-the-art control systems, the crane ensures precise, efficient, and seamless cargo handling, further optimizing Marcegaglia’s logistics network. This milestone delivery not only represents a significant engineering achievement but also embodies the long-standing partnership between Liebherr and Marcegaglia, a collaboration rooted in innovation and excellence.
A Crane with Cultural Significance
Adding a symbolic touch to this achievement, the slewing platform of the 2,000th LHM 600 features a one-of-a-kind, hand-crafted design inspired by the maritime heritage of both Rostock, Germany, and Ravenna, Italy. This design reflects the deep connection between the two port cities and pays homage to the rich industrial and maritime traditions that continue to shape global logistics today.
The slewing platform’s design is split into two distinct yet interconnected themes:
- The Italian Side: Features the iconic Basilica di Sant’Apollinare Nuovo in Ravenna, dock workers engaged in port logistics, and an Italian inscription highlighting the nation’s dedication to maritime excellence.
- The German Side: Showcases dock workers from Liebherr and Marcegaglia, a lighthouse, and an inscription in German, emphasizing Liebherr Rostock’s engineering expertise and industrial legacy.
This unique dual-themed design encapsulates the blending of German precision engineering with Italian passion and craftsmanship, symbolizing a shared vision of innovation and quality in the maritime sector.
A Longstanding Partnership Driving Port Evolution
Since 2001, the partnership between Liebherr and Marcegaglia has played a key role in the transformation of the Port of Ravenna. The introduction of the first Liebherr mobile harbour crane, the LHM 400, set the foundation for a new era of efficiency and growth at the port.
Over the past two decades, this collaboration has resulted in the deployment of five additional Liebherr mobile harbour cranes, each contributing to the port’s expanding capabilities. Now, with the LHM 600 joining the fleet, Ravenna’s port infrastructure is further strengthened, ensuring greater operational flexibility and higher cargo throughput capacity.
Looking Ahead: A Future of Innovation and Excellence
To commemorate this significant milestone, a formal handover ceremony is planned for summer 2025 in Ravenna, celebrating the enduring partnership between two family-owned industry leaders.
“This milestone LHM 600 exemplifies our commitment to delivering pioneering solutions for our customers,” stated Andreas Ritschel, General Manager Sales of Mobile Harbour Cranes at Liebherr-Rostock GmbH. “The collaboration with Marcegaglia reflects our shared dedication to innovation, efficiency, and long-term success in port logistics.”
With the integration of the LHM 600 into Marcegaglia’s logistics network, the company is set to achieve greater efficiency and strategic growth. Supported by Liebherr’s global service network, the crane will receive ongoing maintenance and operational support, ensuring optimal performance for years to come.
This landmark delivery of the 2,000th Liebherr mobile harbour crane underscores a legacy of engineering excellence, innovation, and international collaboration, setting the stage for the future of smart, sustainable port operations.
For more updates on logistics innovation, port infrastructure advancements, and global trade developments, stay connected with The Logistic News.
Eva Richardson
Senior Journalist, The Logistic News
