Electrifying the Mississippi

Associated Terminals and Liebherr Maritime Cranes celebrated the christening of two CBG 500 E cranes in New Orleans, introducing the first all-electric transshipment cranes of their kind on the Lower Mississippi River. Each crane is engineered for high-volume bulk handling, offering maximum grab capacities of 90 tonnes in sheltered waters and up to 65 tonnes in open water, complemented by a lattice boom design with up to 50 metres outreach. Integrated LiCaTronic energy recovery systems improve efficiency by recovering energy generated when braking or lowering loads, while remote diagnostics and ergonomic cabins enhance operational safety and reliability.

The two CBG 500 E cranes are installed on Associated Terminals’ next-generation barges, purpose-built to set new standards in efficiency and sustainability with hybrid-ready power systems, an intelligent load management and reduced fuel consumption. Keel cooling technology further minimises maintenance needs and environmental impact.

A landmark event for river operations

The christening ceremony, held on the banks of the Mississippi River, gathered hundreds of guests from the maritime industry, politics, and business. It marked the culmination of months of collaboration, driven by a shared ambition: to modernise transshipment while reducing environmental impact. The atmosphere was one of anticipation and pride, as the cranes and barges – symbols of innovation – were officially named and blessed in front of a crowd that recognised the significance of this achievement.

‘The christening of these cranes marks a defining moment for our operations,’ said Zeljko Franks, Chief Operating Officer at Associated Terminals. ‘It represents years of planning and partnership coming to life. By introducing this technology on the Mississippi, we are combining performance with sustainability in a way that will benefit our customers, our communities, and the river for years to come.’

The first crane, delivered in the summer of 2025, has already gone into service and quickly proved itself as a key asset for bulk handling, earning strong praise from Associated Terminals after commissioning. The second CBG 500 E arrived at the end of 2025 and was successfully assembled ahead of the ceremony; following the christening, it will join its counterpart in operation, continuing the same standard of efficiency.

The introduction of these cranes signals a new chapter for inland waterway logistics, setting benchmarks for ecological responsibility. This milestone is not only a technical achievement but also a strategic step toward electrifying river operations across the United States.

Engineering excellence and partnership strength

This project is the result of a partnership that has grown over years of collaboration, driven by a shared commitment to forward thinking and environmental responsibility. From the earliest planning stages to commissioning, Liebherr and Associated Terminals worked hand in hand to align technical solutions with operational and environmental goals. That same spirit of cooperation will continue throughout the cranes’ lifecycle, supported by Liebherr’s dedicated service teams, ensuring reliability and performance for years to come.

‘The christening reflects what can be achieved through collaboration and forward thinking,’ said Gregor Hillen, Sales Manager for Port- and Transshipment Solutions at Liebherr-Rostock GmbH. ‘We are proud to stand alongside Associated Terminals in shaping the future of river cargo handling.’

Looking ahead, these installations will serve as a benchmark for sustainable transshipment, reinforcing the role of advanced electric cranes in driving efficiency and resilience across inland waterways.