In 1976, just two years after entering the mobile harbour crane business, Liebherr supplied their first two LHMs to Africa. Dedicated to container handling, both mobile harbour cranes were destined for Libya. In the next two decades business was poor due to serious stability issues, quests for independence as well as low economic development in various African countries.
However, two deliveries to ports in South Africa and Namibia mark the significant turnaround in 1996. These machines represent the first LHMs suitable for bulk handling in Africa. From that point on business has been back on track. In 2001, a first remarkable peak was achieved with seven LHM deliveries to customers in Namibia and Nigeria.
The on-going economic development in several African countries has favoured an increased demand for highly competitive and top quality products, which provide maximum flexibility. Liebherr’s innovative cargo handling solutions perfectly meet these requirements. Consequently, mobile harbour crane deliveries to Africa virtually exploded in recent years. Since 2007, even more than 70 Liebherr Mobile Harbour Cranes have started operation in Africa. Impressive is not only the number, but also the diversity of sales regarding models and applications which covers container and bulk handling as well as general cargo operation. Despite a noticeable global trend towards bulk handling, most of the African ports still prefer container handling configuration.
In 2007, the Tunisian stevedoring and handling company STAM ordered their first LHMs and thereby became part of this success story. Due to the very positive experience with these three machines the company has invested in four additional LHMs in the past two years. “Currently, we have seven LHMs in operation in three Tunisian ports. Five LHMs are totally dedicated to container handling, the other two operate general cargo, dry bulk and containers. These cranes offer utmost performance, are robust and impress by state-of-the-art technology”, states Mr. Sami Battikh, STAM’s Purchasing Director.
When it comes to geographical distribution, Nigeria accounts for almost one quarter of all Liebherr Mobile Harbour Cranes in Africa with a total of 24. Algeria follows closely with 21 LHMs in operation. Moreover, Algeria plus its neighbor countries Libya and Tunisia represent Africa’s most populated region with altogether 43 machines. However, recent development shows that the southern and western regions of the continent are catching-up, mainly driven by Nigeria and South Africa respectively.
Ports and Cargo Handling Services Limited is a subsidiary of the SIFAX group, which is operating in Maritime, Aviation and Oil & Gas industries in Africa’s leading LHM market Nigeria. Ports and Cargo operates terminal “C” of the Tin Can Island Port, Lagos. In 2008 the company acquired four Liebherr Mobile Harbour Cranes type LHM 400, equipped with Cycoptronic® including Teach-In feature for faster and safer cargo handling. “LHM’s high safety standards and ultra-modern design simplifies operation of such a heavy-duty machine. Its unique flexibility makes it easy to work with two cranes at very close hatches at the same time”, Captain Luc Deruyver, Group Managing Director, confirms.
Another Nigerian company trusting in Liebherr products is Inter-Bau Construction Limited. The well-known construction company ordered two Liebherr Mobile Harbour Cranes type LHM 180 for the Onitsha River Port project in 2010. The cranes handle a wide variety of break bulk cargoes and the occasional container, an area where growth is expected. Additionally the machines can also be adapted for bulk handling if needed. “Due to superior technology advantage, reasonable pricing and excellent after sales support, Liebherr was the preferred vendor. Their high degree of professionalism impressed throughout the buying p
