Manufacturing of Liebherr Heavy Lift Crane 150000-3000 for Alfa Lift reaches key milestone

6 November 2020


 Successful “wedding” of lower slewing column and machinery frame • Trusting and appreciative partnership with OHT • HLC 150000-3000 addresses different challenges in the offshore market 

Inside the large industry halls of the Liebherr manufacturing site in Rostock, a noteworthy wedding took place for the new Heavy Lift Crane (HLC) 150000-3000, which marked the latest key milestone in its construction. The mechanical connection between the lower slewing column and the machinery frame was successfully realized to create the lower slewing unit of the HLC. 

Rostock (Germany) October 2020 – The Heavy-Lift Crane series (HLC) by Liebherr is specially designed for the installation of offshore wind foundations and sub-stations as well as the installation and decommissioning of offshore platforms. In June 2018, Liebherr- MCCtec Rostock GmbH and the Oslo-based company OHT agreed the contract for the Heavy Lift Crane 150000-3000 for Alfa Lift, the worlds’ largest and most innovative, custom-built offshore wind foundation installation vessel. With a maximum lifting capacity of 3,000 tonnes at 30 metres and 1,000 tonnes at 76 metres outreach, the HLC 150000-3000 is ready for a wide range of applications and a key feature of OHT’s Alfa Lift. The Norwegian contractor’s new build vessel, of Ulstein Design, is currently under construction in China, due for delivery next year. 

During the manufacturing of the HLC 150000-3000, the so-called “wedding”, lowering the machinery frame into the lower slewing column, is an important milestone for a crane of this size, establishing the foundation for further processes. The machinery frame is the heart of the Liebherr heavy lift cranes, containing electric motors, the hydraulic pumps and the main switchboards. 

Close partnership is key for success 

The HLC 150000-3000 was realized in close collaboration between OHT and Liebherr. Daniel Poll, Sales Director of Ship and Offshore Cranes at Liebherr Rostock, emphasises the importance of the collaboration: “Both Liebherr and OHT have great confidence in this close partnership, which is the foundation for the multifunctionality of the HLC 150000-3000. An advantage that can be important in this competitive international market.” 

Torgeir E. Ramstad, CEO of OHT, outlines the importance of a holistic approach: “Working in an open and collaborative manner with Liebherr has become an essential element in the development process of Alfa Lift and her onboard equipment. Making sure the operational criteria and limitations of the crane are viewed with a holistic approach, taking into account the vessel’s motion characteristics and capabilities of other mission equipment onboard, is key. Working alongside key suppliers who understand these requirements makes a huge difference in ensuring ultimate success.” 

The manufacturing processes are now in the final phase at the Liebherr site in Rostock. The wedding of the machinery frame and the lower slewing column is the latest milestone of many in recent months and will be followed by the electrical and hydraulic connection of the two components as well as further completion activities on the crane. As soon as these activities are finalised, the next milestone will take place: the connection between the upper and the lower slewing unit, another highlight of the manufacturing of the crane. 

About OHT

OHT is a specialist transport and installation (T&I) contractor and vessel owner-operator, with a leading environmental focus and a best for project approach. 

The company is one of the worlds most experienced heavy transport vessel operators and a leading provider of highly engineered marine transportation solutions with a fleet of five open deck semi-submersible heavy lift carriers: MV Hawk, Osprey, Albatross, Falcon and Eagle. 

The addition of specialist offshore wind foundation and turbine installation vessels to the fleet is driven by OHT’s commitment to the offshore wind sector, enabling a complete T&I offering for the next generations of offshore wind farms. 

In 2021, OHT will launch their new build vessel Alfa Lift; their first vessel built specifically for the offshore wind market. A heavy installation crane vessel design with semi-submersible heavy transportation capabilities, the Alfa Lift will be world’s largest, custom-built vessel for offshore wind foundation installation and will optimise efficiency for the transport and installation of next generation foundations. 

OHT have also recently announced the addition of two GustoMSC designed NG-14000XL-G jack-up installation vessels to their offshore wind T&I fleet. The first will be delivered in Q2 2023. The jack-ups will be capable of installing the next generations of Wind Turbine Generators (WTG's). 

OHT’s unrivalled fleet of installation vessels will soon start work on the world’s largest offshore wind farms, building a more sustainable future for the generations to come. 

Learn more at OHT web page: www.oht.no 

About Liebherr-MCCtec Rostock GmbH 

Liebherr-MCCtec Rostock GmbH is one of the leading European manufacturers of maritime material handling solutions. The product range comprises ship, mobile harbour and offshore cranes. Reachstackers and components for container cranes are also included in the product portfolio. 

About the Liebherr Group of Companies 

The Liebherr group comprises more than 140 companies on all continents and has over 48,000 employees. In 2019, Liebherr achieved a consolidated total turnover of around 11.7 billion euros. As a global, family-run technology business, Liebherr is not only one of the largest construction machine manufacturers in the world, but is also recognized in many other sectors as a supplier of technically sophisticated products and services with focus on customer benefit. Liebherr was founded in 1949 in Kirchdorf an der Iller in southern Germany. 

Artist’s rendition of Alfa Lift carrying 10 XXL monopiles and transition pieces. For illustration purposes only, Image credit: Ulstein.



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