SIX mobile harbour cranes equipped with specialised motorised timber grabs have increased turnover at ports of Tauranga and Gisborne by 35%, according to manufacturer Liebherr.
Liebherr Maritime Cranes partnered with Qube company ISO to deliver the mobile harbour cranes and timber grabs with a goal to support New Zealand’s forestry industry.
Four LHM 550 cranes have been operating in Tauranga since 2020, and two additional cranes were introduced in 2021. Currently, three cranes are in Tauranga and three are in Gisborne.
The LHM 550 crane is designed with a 51-metre lifting height and an outreach of 54 metres.
Liebherr and ISO believe the project is a “significant milestone” for New Zealand’s forestry industry.
“The new MHCs have significantly changed the way logs are loaded in New Zealand and most importantly are a significant step-change to our current practices, improving both safety and productivity,” ISO director and CEO Paul Cameron said.
The businesses said the project has opened up potential for further shipments with ISO. They said other companies are considering similar projects.
Forestry contributes an annual export revenue of around NZ$6.8 billion to New Zealand’s economy annually, according to Liebherr and ISO.
The industry also employs around 35,000 people across production, processing and commercialisation.
