Marsa Maroc Bolsters Bulk Handling Capabilities in Casablanca
Marsa Maroc has recently acquired a Liebherr LPS 550 port crane for its bulk handling operations at the Port of Casablanca. This advanced piece of equipment has already been loaded in Rostock, Germany, and is en route to Morocco. Upon installation and commissioning, the LPS 550 will be the first rotating gantry crane from Liebherr to operate in Africa, marking a significant milestone for the region's port infrastructure.
The crane was transported aboard the heavy-lift vessel MV Patricia, which left the Liebherr facilities in Rostock. Earlier this month, the manufacturer confirmed that this ship is also carrying another piece of maritime equipment, a mobile port crane LHM 800, destined for Luanda, Angola. The LPS 550 is designed with a 48-meter boom and electric drive, specifically tailored for the bulk operations conducted by the Moroccan operator in Casablanca. Its gantry design not only maintains unobstructed space beneath the structure but also facilitates smoother movement and operations at the dock.
Liebherr emphasizes that the crane is versatile and can serve various types of vessels. Its drive systems are engineered to provide precise movements during intensive cargo handling cycles. The installation of this crane is configured according to the operational specifications of the Port of Casablanca, which spans over 450 hectares, features more than eight kilometers of docks, and has the capacity to accommodate up to 40 vessels simultaneously. This port handles a diverse array of goods, including containers, steel products, grains, animal feed, minerals, and vehicles.
Investment in Port Infrastructure and Future Developments
In 2025, Marsa Maroc successfully managed over 19 million tons of cargo and nearly 1.1 million TEUs at its Casablanca operations. Across its entire network, the company operates 35 terminals across 21 ports, processing approximately 67 million tons of cargo annually. The acquisition of the LPS 550 enhances Marsa Maroc's fleet of Liebherr equipment; in 2024, the operator received three LHM 550 mobile port cranes from the German manufacturer. Furthermore, additional Liebherr equipment deliveries are planned for terminals managed by the company in Nador and Tangier.
This acquisition is part of Marsa Maroc's broader investment program aimed at increasing its cargo handling capacity across various port facilities in the country. The company is also advancing its Marsa 2030 program, which outlines actions related to equipment upgrades and operational capacity enhancements. A representative from Marsa Maroc stated that the integration of the first Liebherr LPS crane in Africa aligns with the company's development plans and its ongoing relationship with the German manufacturer.
Andreas Ritschel, the General Sales Manager for mobile port cranes at Liebherr-Rostock, noted that Marsa Maroc already utilizes Liebherr equipment at various locations. He explained that the LPS 550 introduces a new type of crane to the existing fleet, specifically designed to meet the demands of bulk operations. Once transported from Rostock, the LPS 550 will be installed at Marsa Maroc's terminal in Casablanca, with its entry into service symbolizing a significant advancement in Africa's port capabilities.
As reported by elestrechodigital.com.
