Built to withstand the elements: UK's first 1188 EC-H Fibre crane placed on Naval base

Liebherr assembles the UK’s first 1188 EC-H 40 Fibre tower crane at Portsmouth Naval Base. Purchased by KBS Maritime on behalf of the Royal Navy, the unit will permanently sit on the Naval Base and boost efficiency across all operations.

Given the crane's demanding maritime environment and long-term operational requirements, its specification was developed through close collaboration between Liebherr and KBS Maritime. This partnership ensured the solution was tailored to meet the unique challenges of the site while delivering the performance, reliability and longevity required for such a critical naval infrastructure project.

Specified for tough working conditions

One unique challenge of the product was the environment of the jobsite, which is subject to periods of harsh weather and corrosive maritime conditions. To ensure long-term reliability, the crane has been finished with ICP, a maritime-grade paint system specifically designed to withstand corrosion. Further protection is provided through stainless steel control cabinet design, along with galvanising of ladders, handrails and access platforms delivering enhanced durability and reduced maintenance requirements throughout the crane's service life.

A key feature of this crane is its innovative fibre rope technology, which offers numerous advantages over conventional steel rope, including approximately 40 per cent higher peak capacities and easy handling due to light weight. However, why this innovation is particularly suited for KBS, Simon Cook Liebherr Great Britain’s Tower Cranes Divisional Manager adds: ‘This is a real game changer; the fibre rope has many benefits and the main one in this case is that the structure is corrosion resistant. Traditional ropes require constant maintenance, so to be able to offer this as a solution for this project is helping to reduce maintenance and maintain uptime.’

Its performance figures reflect the scale of the project: with a 22 metre radius, the crane lifts up to 40 tonnes, even at the radius of 90 metres, the 1188 EC-H Fibre can handle up to 8.1 tonnes in four fall operation. These capacities make it ideal for the transport and installation of heavy components that must be positioned with utmost precision and safety.

More than the crane

Throughout the project, from the initial discussion and technical drawings through to service support and installation, Liebherr worked closely with KBS Maritime to ensure the solution met the requirements of both parties, reflecting Liebherr’s commitment to being a reliable supplier. Open and consistent communication was maintained throughout the process, establishing the foundation for a good, long-term working relationship. Simon Cook adds: ‘All parts of the division have been engaged with the project. Our service and support team have been pivotal in ensuring a safe and successful project.’