New dimensions at Liebherr –
slewing bearing with a diameter of 23 metres

Baden (Switzerland), August 28, 2024 – GustoMSC BV has developed a heavy-duty crane for a new type of installation vessels. For the positioning of wind turbines on the high seas, transport ships are able to deliver individual parts directly to such a vessel. This allows for continuous work at sea without having to fetch new parts from the harbour. And it is in this heavy-duty crane that Liebherr's segmented slewing bearing takes over a vital task. Once in place, the bearing is the core element that turns a ship crane with a lifting capacity of 2,000 tonnes, responsible for the installation of offshore wind turbines. The slewing bearing is a real masterpiece by Liebherr-Components Biberach, consisting out of 68 segments, the total diameter of which is almost as large as six small cars placed in a row. During its service life of about 25 years, the 23-metre bearing will help to erect offshore wind farms and contribute to sustainable power generation.

The segmented slewing bearing was designed as light as possible to increase the load capacity of the ship. ‘The crucial features thereby are the induction-hardened raceways of the segments, which offer a more efficient bearing cross-section than inlaid raceway plates, and thus add to weight reduction,’ explains Benjamin Schmid, head of sales maritime applications at Liebherr-Components. ‘In this way, Liebherr supports the further development of offshore mechanical engineering, which is advancing into ever larger dimensions.’

About Liebherr-Components AG

In this segment, the Liebherr Group specialises in the development, design, manufacturing of high-performance components in the fields of mechanical, hydraulic and electric drive and control technology. Liebherr-Component Technologies AG, based in Bulle (Switzerland), coordinates all activities in the component product segment.

The extensive product range includes combustion engines, injection systems, engine control units, axial piston pumps and motors, hydraulic cylinders, slewing bearings, gearboxes and winches, switchgear, electronic and power electronics components and software. The high-quality components are used in cranes and earthmoving machinery, in the mining industry, maritime applications, wind turbines, automotive engineering or in aviation and transport technology. Synergy effects with other product segments of the Liebherr Group are used to drive continuous technological development.

About the Liebherr Group – 75 years of moving forward

The Liebherr Group is a family-run technology company with a highly diversified product programme. The company is one of the largest construction equipment manufacturers in the world. It also provides high-quality, user-oriented products and services in a wide range of other areas. The Liebherr Group includes over 150 companies across all continents. In 2023, it employed more than 50,000 staff and achieved combined revenues of over 14 billion euros. Liebherr was founded by Hans Liebherr in 1949 in the southern German town of Kirchdorf an der Iller. Since then, the employees have been pursuing the goal of achieving continuous technological innovation, and bringing industry-leading solutions to its customers. Under the slogan ‘75 years of moving forward’, the Group celebrates its 75th anniversary in 2024.

About GustoMSC

GustoMSC is recognised for providing advanced design & engineering consultancy for mobile offshore units and reliable equipment. In close cooperation with our clients, we translate experience, science, and technical knowledge into realistic & innovative ideas. In this way, GustoMSC enables and supports safe and efficient operations at sea, contributing to a sustainable future.