Liebherr LHM 280 with hybrid drive for Vienna

Hafen Wien operates the largest free port in Austria. Perfect connection to waterways, road and rail network characterize this port in the Austrian capital Vienna. The port is continuously expanding to become one of the largest and most modern logistics centres on the Danube in Europe. In order to update its facilities, the company opted for a Liebherr mobile harbour crane, type LHM 280. Providing a maximum lifting capacity of 84 tonnes and an outreach of up to 40 metres, the crane is equipped with two winches for highly efficient cargo handling.

“Our new mobile harbour crane helps us to improve cargo handling efficiency. Thanks to its versatility and mobility, we are able to expand our service portfolio which is important for the future development of our port. This investment also strengthens the attractiveness of inland waterborne transport,” says Karin Zipperer, Technical Director of the port.

Performance meets mobility and flexibility

Hafen Wien has already successfully operated a Liebherr mobile harbour crane, type LHM 1080, for more than 25 years. The new machine, which started operation in August 2015, is twice as strong as the old one and universally applicable. Although the LHM 280 is 55 metres high and 240 tonnes heavy, the crane is mobile and highly flexible. The new cargo handling solution will be used for container handling, bulk handling as well as general cargo operation.

Innovative technology for higher turnover

Taking a major step towards low-emission but high-performance, the LHM 280 is equipped with Liebherr’s unique Pactronic® hybrid drive system. Pactronic® is regenerating the reverse power while lowering the load. In addition, the surplus power of the primary energy source is also used for charging the accumulator. The stored energy is transferred back to the system when the crane requires peak power during hoisting. In terms of turnover capacity, that means a plus of 30% compared to a conventional machine with equal power rating of the primary energy source. In addition, Pactronic® leads to a reduction of fuel/energy consumption (litre/ton) as well as CO2 and exhaust emissions in the range of 30% depending on the operation.

Hafen Wien also ordered Liebherr’s Cycoptronic® system for its new LHM 280. This optional tool ensures accurate and sway-free load motion through initiating dynamic counterbalancing movements for operation at maximum speed. The Cycoptronic® teach-in feature is a point-to-point control for semiautomatic operation. It pilots the crane to predetermined loading and unloading points at the highest possible speed.

More capacity for Austria’s biggest hinterland hub

The port of Vienna is conveniently situated at three TEN-T corridors and is one of the main hinterland hubs in Europe, especially for the major North Sea ports and the Adriatic ports. With its facilities in Freudenau, Albern and Lobau, Hafen Wien is the largest public port on the Danube in Austria, handling thirteen million tonnes of cargo per year. The new investment in the Liebherr LHM 280 will further strengthen their market position.