
Wolfgang Beringer
Liebherr-Werk Ehingen GmbH
89584 Ehingen
Germany
+49 7391 502-0
Press releases | 24. 04. 2026
The winners of the 2026 ESTA Awards of Excellence were announced on 16 April at an awards ceremony in Noordwijk (Netherlands). Liebherr won two awards this year. In the ‘Safety’ category, the company was recognised for the significantly improved safety during the assembly of the Y-guying telescopic boom suspension on the LTM 1400-6 mobile crane. Liebherr received the award in the ‘Training’ category for its innovative ‘Game of Cranes’ competition, which motivates mobile crane operators worldwide to further develop their skills.
The “ESTA Awards of Excellence” have firmly established themselves as the most important annual event in the abnormal transport, crane rental and heavy lifting industry. Every year, more than 50 entries from across Europe compete for an award in ten categories, in which the European association ESTA (European Association for the Abnormal Road Transport and Mobile Crane Rental Industry) presents annual prizes.
Christoph Kleiner, Managing Director of Sales at Liebherr-Werk Ehingen GmbH, accepted the award in the “Safety” category: “It’s fantastic to be recognised once again in the safety category. When it comes to crane development, safety is our top priority. The aim is to prevent accidents, not only during crane operations but also during set-up.”
The award in the “Training” category was accepted by Commercial Managing Director Daniel Pitzer on behalf of Liebherr in Ehingen: “The profession of crane operator requires a high level of technical understanding, skill and a sense of responsibility. With the ‘Game of Cranes’ competition, we aim not only to recognise the skills of crane operators, but also to raise the profile of the profession.”
Liebherr has designed the Y-type guying telescopic boom suspension of the Liebherr LTM 1400-6.1 mobile crane in such a way that safety during crane assembly is significantly increased. The reduction in the number of assembly steps means less ‘work at height’. Safety for the operating personnel is also ensured by the simplified assembly process, a modern technical solution for connecting the hydraulics via the automatic Liebherr coupling system LIKUFIX, as well as safe access routes and platforms.
With “Game of Cranes”, Liebherr-Werk Ehingen GmbH has launched an innovative, international competition that motivates mobile crane operators worldwide to develop their skills and measure themselves against the best in the industry. The project is not a traditional training programme – yet it combines practical and theoretical challenges, nurtures talent and places a clear emphasis on safety and professionalism. “Game of Cranes” raises public awareness and enhances the appeal of the profession. In this way, the competition addresses the growing demand for qualified crane operators and sets new standards in talent development.

Wolfgang Beringer
Liebherr-Werk Ehingen GmbH
+49 7391 502-0