Marsa Maroc Enhances Bulk Cargo Operations with New Liebherr Crane
Marsa Maroc has made a significant advancement in its cargo-handling capabilities by selecting the Liebherr LPS 550 portal slewing crane for operations at the Port of Casablanca. This marks a historic milestone as it becomes the first Liebherr portal slewing crane to be deployed in Africa. The introduction of this state-of-the-art equipment not only signifies a leap in efficiency for bulk cargo operations but also reinforces the long-standing partnership between Marsa Maroc and Liebherr.
The LPS 550 crane is designed to combine a high lifting capacity with a compact portal structure, optimizing the use of quay space while facilitating efficient handling of vessels. A representative from Marsa Maroc expressed confidence in the partnership, highlighting the consistent reliability of Liebherr's equipment, along with their responsive support, which has been crucial in meeting the operational demands of the port. The addition of this crane is an important strategic move for Marsa Maroc as they continue to expand their operational footprint in one of Morocco's key commercial hubs.
The Port of Casablanca spans over 450 hectares and features more than eight kilometers of quays, capable of accommodating up to 40 vessels at a time. Marsa Maroc operates a total of 35 terminals across 21 ports, managing approximately 67 million tonnes of cargo annually. The introduction of the LPS 550 follows the earlier acquisition of three Liebherr LHM 550 mobile harbour cranes in 2024, showcasing the company's commitment to enhancing its bulk-handling capabilities.
In 2025 alone, the Port of Casablanca efficiently managed over 19 million tonnes of cargo, including a diverse array of products such as containers, steel, cereals, animal feed, minerals, and vehicles. As part of their ongoing growth strategy, Marsa Maroc plans to further expand its fleet with additional Liebherr cranes scheduled for delivery to terminals in Nador and Tangier. The general manager of Sales Mobile Harbour Cranes at Liebherr-Rostock, Andreas Ritschel, noted that this project exemplifies the ability to tailor equipment solutions to meet the specific requirements of different terminals, thereby enhancing operational efficiency.
Liebherr Marocco is set to provide local service expertise and technical support throughout the operational life of the crane, further strengthening the company's extensive maritime support network in the region.
As reported by portstrategy.com.
