Liebherr Container Cranes is pleased to introduce the next step in its RTG evolution with its enhanced RTG portfolio, marking 25 years of continuous improvement and innovation. Designed to meet the ever-changing demands of terminal operations, the next generation of Liebherr RTGs delivers optimised efficiency, reduced emissions, and superior performance, ensuring operators can easily select the ideal solution for their operational needs.
The five base models in the range are:
- RTG-CB (Electric, Conductor Bar) – A fully electric RTG with a continuous power supply, requiring fixed conductor bar infrastructure.
- ERTG-CRD (Electric, Cable Reeling Drum) – A fully electric RTG with a flexible power feed, utilising a reeling drum for cable management.
- RTG-HC (Hybrid, Capacitor) – A hybrid RTG utilising super-capacitors for energy recovery in combination with a smaller diesel generator. Offers the lowest capex investment and fastest pay-back period for a hybrid system.
- RTG-HB (Hybrid, Battery) – A diesel-electric hybrid RTG utilising battery energy storage, designed for optimal fuel saving and emissions reductions.
- RTG-VSG (Variable Speed Genset) – A fuel-efficient diesel RTG with optimised performance, reducing fuel consumption compared to standard diesel RTGs.
Sustainability and flexibility
With a choice of electric and hybrid models, along with a variable speed generator option, sustainability and flexibility are the key drivers in the range. According to MD-Engineering at Liebherr Container Cranes, Mr Charlie McCarthy, the range allows customers to advance their environmental ambitions and plan for a net zero future.
“Our range of RTGs offers unparalleled flexibility and choice, to meet diverse operational requirements. Our electric RTGs operate with zero local emissions while our hybrid models deliver exceptional performance alongside significant reductions in emissions, running costs and maintenance. Additionally, our variable speed generator RTGs provide exceptional performance and a substantial decrease in emissions compared to traditional diesel machines. Liebherr’s proprietary software enables advanced simulations and energy modelling, predicting fuel and energy consumption, for various power system configurations based on clients’ specific operational scenarios. This allows us to accurately simulate customers’ operations to explore and optimise alternative operating scenarios. Furthermore, by accommodating local and regional economic factors, we can conduct comprehensive economic assessments to identify the optimal machine for a customer’s setup, considering both cost and performance.”
Together, these options offer terminal operators a clear, sustainable path to improved operational performance.
A Legacy of progress
Since the introduction of its first RTG, Liebherr has consistently led the way in RTG development, integrating industry-leading innovations to enhance performance and sustainability. The adoption of an eight-rope reeving system from the outset, has offered significantly improved load stability and reduced sway, facilitating precise container handling. This hasn’t changed. The eight-rope reeving system remains central to the RTG, delivering the same core benefits of stability and precision. It is complemented by the Liebherr Liduro drive system and a wide selection of power options. Productivity aids and automation features have also evolved, from early destination control to today’s advanced solutions that support full autonomy or remote operation, both wired and wireless.
Looking ahead
Looking ahead, the pace of change is set to continue, with the next 25 years holding even greater potential for innovation. Building on the exceptional progress of the past quarter century, advances in automation, energy efficiency and digital integration will drive the future of container handling. Technology will continue to evolve, but the core principles behind every Liebherr RTG will remain unchanged. Built to last, each machine is engineered with the highest standards of quality, precision and reliability. From structural integrity to component longevity, a Liebherr RTG is designed for maximum uptime and consistent performance in the toughest port environments. And with world-class service and support to match, customers can rely on Liebherr to deliver long-term value, no matter how the industry evolves.
