A new heavyweight for Broekman Logistics’ quayside in Rotterdam. The new crane is one of Liebherr’s flagship mobile harbour crane models, offering a lifting capacity of up to 308 tonnes, and is designed for demanding cargo profiles. For this terminal, the crane has been engineered with custom supporting pads to meet the specific conditions of the quay. Its configuration is tailored for project cargoes and heavy lifts, where high load charts, stability and precision handling are critical. As part of the LHM range, the crane also benefits from Liebherr’s established crane architecture and mobility, allowing flexible deployment across the terminal. With the LHM 800, which was nicknamed ‘Titan 1,’ Broekman is strengthening its terminal capabilities while adding a new level of lifting performance to Rotterdam’s maritime operations.
A strategic investment for Rotterdam’s industrial logistics chain
Broekman Logistics has deep roots in Rotterdam and a long record in the port, having started as an independent shipping agent in 1960 before developing into a broader end-to-end logistics provider. Today, the company combines forwarding, contract logistics, breakbulk terminals and technical services, with a strong focus on machinery, industrial cargo and international supply chains. Its Rotterdam breakbulk activities include direct vessel handling, heavy-lift storage, battery energy storage systems storage, marshalling and value-added services for oversized and out-of-gauge cargo. This operational profile makes high-capacity lifting equipment a key asset for daily terminal work and for the longer-term development of project cargo business.
‘The LHM 800 gives us the lifting performance and flexibility to handle larger and more complex cargo at our quayside,’ says Rob van Dijk, Director Terminal & Shipping at Broekman Logistics.
‘Combined with our indoor lifting capacity of 700 tonnes by overhead crane, it strengthens our position as a heavy-lift specialist in Rotterdam.’
‘The crane fits Broekman Logistics’ terminal ambitions and reflects the strong cooperation with Liebherr, where we worked together to translate quay requirements into a practical solution.’
The investment also fits within a broader economic context. The Port of Rotterdam handles approximately 428.4 million tonnes of cargo annually, with breakbulk and project cargo remaining an important part of that system.
As Rotterdam continues to invest in capacity, flexibility and industrial connectivity, the additional heavy-lift capability at Broekman supports local operational resilience. It also improves supply chain efficiency for industrial customers in the Netherlands, Germany and beyond.
Engineering precision for demanding ground conditions
From an engineering perspective, this project required careful coordination across all parties involved. The combination of high lifting performance and low ground loading called for a tailored support arrangement, with custom pads developed to suit the quay structure and operating environment. Site-adapted load distribution is an important enabler for high-capacity crane deployment, especially where berth characteristics or terminal layouts impose tight structural parameters. The result is a configuration that preserves the crane’s operational strength while answering the practical demands of the installation site. That balance is particularly relevant for terminals handling irregular cargo dimensions, concentrated loads and complex lift planning.
Liebherr supports such projects through a worldwide maritime service organisation with more than 450 service engineers, as well as sales and service structures around the world. For operators, that framework provides access to technical support, field service, inspections, upgrades and parts availability across the crane lifecycle, with short response times and continuity of expertise.
‘This project shows what can be achieved when a customer’s operational vision is matched by focused engineering and close cooperation,’ said Andreas Ritschel, General Manager Sales Mobile Harbour cranes at Liebherr-Rostock GmbH. ‘We are proud to place this crane on Broekman’s quayside and to deliver a solution that fulfils the technical requirements of the site while supporting the customer’s next stage of growth.’
For Rotterdam, the project stands as a measured but meaningful addition to terminal capability. For Broekman, it creates room for larger lifts, broader cargo opportunities and continued development within a highly competitive port environment. For Liebherr, it reflects the value of adapting proven crane technology to the realities of individual terminals and their infrastructure. Together, those elements form a partnership grounded in practical performance, long-term trust and a clear view of where industrial port logistics is heading next.
