In a clear sign of the industry’s shift toward sustainable port operations, Liebherr has recorded a 400% increase in demand for its electrically powered mobile harbour cranes over the past six years. The surge highlights a growing global commitment to reducing emissions, improving efficiency, and transitioning away from fossil fuels in maritime logistics.
As a pioneer in e-power solutions, Liebherr now has more than 2,000 mobile harbour cranes produced and around 1,600 units in active service across over 100 countries. The company’s electric drive systems — available for both new and existing cranes — enable operators to cut up to 100 kilograms of CO₂ emissions per hour compared to diesel-powered equivalents.
Global Momentum Toward Electrification
Regions such as India and Türkiye are leading adopters of Liebherr’s electric mobile harbour cranes, followed by strong demand in the Netherlands, France, and Poland, as well as the United States and the United Kingdom.
“Our clients have benefitted from electric drives for more than two decades,” said Franz Findel, Product Manager at Liebherr-Rostock GmbH. “Beyond the significant reductions in CO₂ emissions and noise, e-drives demand less maintenance, fewer consumables, and feature simpler mechanical systems — resulting in higher efficiency and operational reliability without compromising speed or lifting power.”
Retrofitting Existing Cranes for a Sustainable Future
Liebherr’s electric drive technology isn’t limited to new builds. The company offers retrofit kits that allow existing diesel-powered cranes to be converted to electric operation, extending asset lifespans while modernizing fleets.
This flexibility enables port operators to take advantage of state funding programs, infrastructure upgrades, and national emission reduction initiatives. Backed by Liebherr’s global service network, the retrofit process ensures long-term reliability and compliance with evolving environmental regulations.
Operational Efficiency Meets Environmental Responsibility
Electric drives offer clear operational advantages. During idle periods — when a crane is not lifting — a diesel engine emits around 24 kg of CO₂ per hour, while an electric drive consumes no additional energy. When powered by renewable sources, the environmental benefits multiply, making electric Liebherr mobile harbour cranes a key enabler of carbon-neutral port operations.
Economic efficiency is another driver of adoption. Many countries now offer financial incentives for electrification, and e-drives eliminate recurring maintenance costs such as oil changes, fluid checks, and filter replacements.
“Electrification is no longer just an environmental necessity,” added Findel. “It’s an operational and financial advantage that ensures ports remain efficient, resilient, and ready for the future.”
