Press releases | 02/25/2026

Hartman Seatrade strengthens its fleet with two Liebherr LS 250 ship cranes

  • Hartman Seatrade is receiving two LS 250 heavy-lift ship cranes supplied by the German maritime crane manufacturer Liebherr
  • The ship cranes support operations with a lifting capacity of 250 tonnes per crane and a maximum outreach of 36 metres
  • The Dutch-based company is a specialist in complex cargo transport and offshore logistics

The LS series is recognised as a forward-thinking solution for the challenges of modern maritime cargo handling. Hartman Seatrade from Urk, the Netherlands, has selected the LS 250 heavy-duty ship crane and is outfitting its latest vessels with this dependable crane concept. With their optimised design and low self-weight, the cranes can be seamlessly installed on a wide range of ship types.

With cutting-edge vessel engineering and the new LS 250 heavy-lift performance on board, Hartman Seatrade sets a fresh benchmark for modern cargo operations. The two LS 250 cranes supplied by Liebherr are configured for tandem operations, allowing combined lifts of up to 500 tonnes for project cargo. Engineered for versatile cargo handling, the LS 250 delivers dependable lifting performance even in demanding maritime conditions. The cranes offer a lifting capacity of up to 250 tonnes with a maximum outreach of 36 metres. Their low deadweight of just 150 tonnes enhances the vessel’s stability and cargo-handling efficiency.

Complementing the crane capability, Hartman Seatrade’s vessel design serves a focused niche, where speed and care matter most. The build strategy follows this pathway: the hull will be constructed in Szczecin, Poland, with final outfitting to be completed in the Netherlands. Prior to completion, the vessel will call at Rostock, Germany, where Liebherr manufactures the LS 250 ship cranes. The slewing columns will be installed on board to prepare the ship for onward delivery. The result is a fast, purpose-built vessel configured for dependable heavy-lift and project cargo operations.

Strengthening a long-standing partnership

Teele Hartman, Managing Director of Hartman Seatrade, stated: ‘Our partnership with Liebherr dates back to 2006, and today we have two of their cranes operating on one Seatrade vessel. The equipment has proven exceptionally reliable and precise, delivering the performance our operations demand. Just as important, the collaboration with the Liebherr team has been exemplary. It is responsive, professional, and solution-oriented at every step.‘

‘This project shows the power of a long-term partnership,‘ said Niek Brabers, Sales Manager at Liebherr Netherlands. ‘Over many years we have advanced our crane technology to meet changing market needs. We focus on efficiency, safety and adaptability across the product range. The LS 250 reflects this project with a slimmer tapered slewing column and a more streamlined boom. These features enable precise handling and lower weight with better integration on board. Our teams remain responsive, and solution-driven from engineering to installation in Rostock. Operators receive performance they can trust and support they can rely on throughout the vessel’s lifetime.‘

Advanced control systems and global support

Liebherr’s in-house Litronic system completes the crane setup and ensures reliable, precise control. It gives real-time operating data through analysis tools and acts as the direct interface between the crane and the operator. The intelligent control automatically adjusts speed to the load, keeps a smooth load curve, and needs no manual switching. Built to be modular, Litronic can add functions as required, supporting performance, safety, and efficient operations for customers.

Customers around the globe benefit from a strong service network supported by trained technical advisors and experienced service engineers in more than fifty subsidiaries. The teams provide inspections, tailored maintenance programmes and training at our centres on site, helping operators maintain safe and reliable crane performance. Regular maintenance, remote support and custom solutions all contribute to high availability and long-term productivity for Liebherr maritime equipment. This global structure ensures short response times and consistent support.

The delivery of the main crane components will take place in stages between 2027 and early 2028, ensuring a smooth and coordinated installation process for the new vessel.

Video

Unveiling the power of our LS 250 ship cranes: precision heavy-lifting in Brazil

Contacts

Constanze Jantsch

Constanze Jantsch

Liebherr-Rostock GmbH