Electrifying efficiency meets enduring trust. The LPS 420 portal crane has been successfully installed at Nuh Çimento’s private port in Hereke, Türkiye, where it is now supporting high-volume bulk handling operations. It is equipped with an electric drive, allowing the port to reduce fuel consumption and local exhaust emissions. Its slewing mechanism is supported by Liebherr’s closed hydraulic circuit, which ensures smooth and energy-efficient rotation even under heavy load. The crane’s advanced Litronic control system enables precise handling of bulk materials. These features make the LPS 420 particularly well suited for high-throughput terminals handling abrasive materials such as clinker and cement.
From legacy to leadership: A generational leap in port performance
The new portal crane replaces a Liebherr LPS 400 that had been in continuous operation since 1999. The LPS 400 at Nuh Çimento is the world’s first Liebherr portal slewing crane to be delivered, helping establish a proven design. More than 130 LPS cranes have been delivered worldwide, establishing it as a trusted tool for port operators with rail-based quay infrastructures.
With increasing maintenance demands and the need for greater efficiency, Nuh Çimento opted for a new LPS 420 to ensure seamless continuity in its port operations. The installation process was carried out under the supervision of Liebherr experts and completed on schedule, with the customer praising the smooth coordination and technical expertise involved.
‘We have known the LPS series for many years and are very familiar with the material we handle’, a Nuh Çimento representative explained. ‘The LPS 420 was a natural choice for us. Installation was quick and easy, just like a Lego. Our operators adapted to the new crane very quickly because it is practical and easy to use. It feels like a continuation of what we already knew, but with more power and less effort.’
The port’s physical capacity supports this operational upgrade. It features a 595 metre berth and can accommodate vessels up to 80,000 deadweight tonnes. A 300 metre underground conveyor tunnel and automated loading systems ensure fast and efficient cargo transfer, enabling Nuh Çimento to maintain high throughput while meeting the logistical demands of exports to more than 40 countries across five continents.
The project underscores the importance of reliable port infrastructure in Nuh Çimento’s business model, which relies heavily on maritime logistics to serve international markets. Compared to the LPS 400, the new crane offers improved cycle times, reduced maintenance intervals and a quieter, cleaner working environment. With the new crane in place, the company is well positioned to meet growing demand while maintaining high operational standards.
Powering Türkiye’s industrial heartland with electric precision
The adoption of the LPS 420 also strengthens Nuh Çimento’s resilience in the face of rising energy costs and tightening environmental regulations. By incorporating an electric drive system, the crane supports compliance with international sustainability standards while lowering long-term operating expenses. Its quiet, low-vibration operation further enhances safety and working conditions on site, particularly important in a port environment that operates around the clock.
Liebherr’s regional service network ensures rapid response times and expert support, a factor that Nuh Çimento identified as critical to its operations. The company emphasised that crane availability is essential to maintaining its shipping schedule.
‘Our cranes must be ready to work when needed,’ the customer noted. ‘With Liebherr, we have ensured a safe and reliable working environment.’
‘This project reflects the strength of our long-standing relationship with Nuh Çimento. The LPS 420 builds on decades of shared experience and delivers a future-ready solution that supports their evolving operational and environmental goals’, said Andreas Ritschel, General Manager Sales Mobile Harbour Cranes at Liebherr-Rostock GmbH.
