Logistics services provider, Van der Vlist, has taken delivery of its new Liebherr LHM550 crane, boosting its lifting capacity and capabilities at the future Moerdijk facility. The LHM550 port crane will join the LHM280 port crane already in operation at the site. 

Van der Vlist ordered the crane from Liebherr in order to boost its capabilities to handle wind turbine components and project cargo. To that end, LHM5050 with its 54 metre range and a lifting capacity of 154 tons has been selected for the new Moerdijk Terminal. The units istelf weighs 439 tons and has been delivered on Meriaura’s open deck carrier Aura.

Together the LHM550 and the existing LHM280 will be capable of a tandem lift of 230 tons.

Moerdijk split

Earlier this year Van der Vlist has decided to split its Terminal Moerdijk into two business units. At Moerdijk, the company has set up Van der Vlist Moerdijk Port and Terminal Logistics and Van der Vlist Moerdijk Technical Services.

The Van der Vlist facility at Moerdijk has always catered for a wide and varied range of activities and services. By splitting the terminal and technical activities, the company believes it can create more focus and are able to grow both services further.

Straight into action

While it will eventually be deployed at the port of Moerdijk, the LHM550 has made its way to Van der Vlist’s facility at the Middenwegkade. Here, it will remain operational until the new terminal is ready.

Following its arrival, the unit has already completed its first lifting operation. According to Van der Vlist, the only thing that’s left to do, is to transform the new port crane into the company’s signature colours.