Seaboard Marine orders three electric Liebherr cranes

Seaboard Marine has ordered three Liebherr LHM 550 mobile harbour cranes with electric drive for deployment at PortMiami and Port of Houston. The cranes feature tower extensions and custom pads to enhance container and multipurpose handling.

Liebherr will deliver the cranes to Seaboard Marine’s private terminals at both ports. The investment builds on a partnership dating back to 2001. Seaboard Marine already operates eight Liebherr cranes, bringing the total to 11 units.

Seaboard Marine, established in 1983, operates a fleet of over 20 vessels and more than 60,000 containers. The company serves nearly 40 ports and carries more cargo to and from PortMiami than any other carrier.

Electric Drive Supports Future Shore Power

The three LHM 550 cranes come in high-rise configuration. Electric drive positions the equipment for future shore power initiatives. Hydrostatic drive technology ensures smooth, efficient performance under variable load conditions.

The cranes offer outreach of up to 54 meters and configured lifting capacity of 104 metric tons. The LHM 550 accommodates New-Panamax vessels while maintaining exceptional turnaround times.

Boosting Capacity at Major Trade Gateways

PortMiami processed over 1.1 million TEU in 2024. Seaboard Marine stands as the largest carrier by cargo volume at the port. The new cranes will strengthen berth productivity and support growth in refrigerated cargo and breakbulk shipments.

The equipment complements Seaboard Marine’s LNG-powered fleet expansion. Fast vessel turnaround reduces congestion during peak periods. The port serves as a hub for Caribbean and Latin American trade.

Port of Houston handled more than 4.1 million TEU last year, achieving a record. The additional crane capacity improves flexibility for container handling. It supports Seaboard Marine’s multipurpose service model.

The expansion strengthens the company’s strategy to maintain competitive transit times. It addresses rising demand for container handling.

Engineering Precision and Service Support

Customer-specific adaptations reflect operational and branding requirements. These include tower extensions, customized supporting pads, and tailored painting. Each crane carries electric drive, ensuring eco-friendly operation and compliance with future port electrification standards.

Liebherr’s regional service network provides support through Liebherr USA. Remote assistance and rapid on-site intervention come under a full-service contract. Dedicated teams operate from Miami and Houston to guarantee swift response and maximum uptime.

Andreas Ritschel, General Manager Sales Mobile Harbour Cranes at Liebherr-Rostock, emphasized shared commitment. “This collaboration demonstrates our shared commitment to future-ready solutions and operational excellence,” he said.

Liebherr offers operator training programs and digital support tools. The LiDAT smartApp enables continuous performance monitoring. Seaboard Marine can optimize crane utilization and safety standards.

The partnership positions Seaboard Marine to meet rising trade volumes and sustainability targets. The company leverages equipment engineered for durability and adaptability in dynamic port environments.

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