The Port of Hull has received a new Liebherr LHM 420 mobile harbour crane, with an investment of £4.2 million ($5.2 million) made by Associated British Ports (ABP). The crane was delivered on the MV Meri and discharged by a joint team from ABP and Liebherr at King George V Dock.

The multi-purpose crane originated from Liebherr’s factory at the Port of Sunderland and will be used by Thor Shipping and Transport for general cargo lifts within their stevedoring operation at the port.

ABP has implemented an investment plan that focuses on enhancing safety measures, improving efficiency and reducing emissions in its ports. The Liebherr crane with the registration number LHM 420 is equipped with numerous features that ensure the operator’s comfort and its hydrostatic drive enables precise control of the crane.

The new crane is also equipped with a hybrid drive system. Energy from lowering a load, along with surplus power from the conversion drive, is diverted to an accumulator that enables a power boost when required, despite the primary power delivery remaining unchanged, helping to conserve fuel.

Earlier this year ABP launched its sustainability strategy Ready for Tomorrow. Backed by an investment of £2 billion ($2.5 billion) the strategy outlines how ABP will be decarbonising its own operations by 2040 at the latest and supporting major infrastructure projects to enable the wider UK energy transition.

Simon Bird, ABP Humber Regional Director, said, “We are scrutinising every investment we make to ensure we are working towards our Ready for Tomorrow goal whilst meeting the needs of our port tenants and customers. The Humber Ports offer great connectivity to northern markets and a multi-skilled team of stevedores to deliver timely operations safely. As 2023 comes to a close we look to an even brighter New Year with the Humber playing its vital role in the country’s energy transition and enabling more sustainable trade to our island nation.”