Seaboard Marine and Liebherr Electrify Key U.S. Ports with New Cranes

Seaboard Marine boosts U.S. terminal efficiency by adding three electric Liebherr LHM 550 mobile harbor cranes to its Miami and Houston trade hubs for sustainable growth.  www.liebherr.com Seaboard Marine has invested in three electric-driven Liebherr LHM 550 mobile harbour cranes to expand container and multipurpose cargo handling capacity at its private terminals in PortMiami and the Port of Houston. This deployment underscores the shift toward energy-efficient crane technology designed for high-volume throughput while aligning with emerging port electrification standards. Adapting Mobile Harbour Crane Design for Future-Ready Infrastructure The LHM 550 selected by Seaboard Marine features a high-rise configuration with electric drive systems. Compared with traditional diesel-only harbour cranes, the electric drive positions these machines for integration with shore power initiatives, reducing local emissions at berth. Hydrostatic drive technology supports smooth load handling and responsiveness under variable conditions, a performance characteristic that sustains productivity in demanding container operations. With a maximum outreach of 54 metres and a configured lifting capacity of 104 metric tons, the LHM 550 can handle New-Panamax vessel calls without compromising turnaround efficiency. Electric drive and modular design contribute to lower operating costs and simpler integration into electrified port infrastructure compared with some competitive systems that rely predominantly on diesel or diesel-hybrid configurations. The LHM family’s modular undercarriage and adaptable superstructure also permit deployment in variable quay environments, offering flexibility relative to fixed rail gantry cranes. Operational Impact at U.S. Trade Gateways At PortMiami, which handled over 1.1 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) in 2024, the new cranes are expected to improve berth productivity and support growth in refrigerated and breakbulk cargo sectors. These capabilities reinforce Seaboard Marine’s emphasis on reliable and efficient cargo flows through a critical Caribbean and Latin American trade hub. In the Port of Houston, which processed more than 4.1 million TEUs last year, the additional LHM 550 units will enhance flexibility in container handling to support the company’s multipurpose service model. Seaboard Marine anticipates that the increased crane capacity will sustain competitive transit times and responsiveness to demand spikes in one of the busiest U.S. port complexes. Customization and Service Integration Each crane delivered to Seaboard Marine includes customer-specific adaptations such as tower extensions, custom support pads, and bespoke painting to meet operational and branding requirements. Liebherr’s regional service network, supported by Liebherr USA, Co., provides remote diagnostics and rapid on-site support under full-service contracts. This combination of tailored engineering and dedicated service aims to maintain high uptime and reinforce long-term operational resilience. Liebherr also supplies operator training and digital tools for continuous performance monitoring, enabling operators to optimize utilisation and safety. These service and support elements differentiate the LHM 550 offering by integrating lifecycle support with the hardware delivery. www.liebherr.com Powered by Induportals Media Publishing