Dutch maritime specialist equips new vessel with tandem-configured 250-tonne cranes for advanced project cargo operations
By Staff Reporter | Urk, Netherlands | February 27, 2026
URK, NETHERLANDS — Hartman Seatrade is strengthening its heavy-lift capabilities with the acquisition of two LS 250 ship cranes from German manufacturer Liebherr.
The cranes, each offering a lifting capacity of 250 tonnes and a maximum outreach of 36 metres, will be installed on the company’s latest purpose-built vessel, further enhancing its position in complex cargo transport and offshore logistics.
Tandem Lifting up to 500 Tonnes
Configured for tandem operations, the two LS 250 cranes can perform combined lifts of up to 500 tonnes, making them well-suited for project cargo and offshore assignments.
Key technical features include:
- Lifting capacity: 250 tonnes per crane
- Maximum outreach: 36 metres
- Deadweight: Approximately 150 tonnes per crane
- Optimised slewing column and streamlined boom design
The relatively low self-weight enhances vessel stability and improves cargo-handling efficiency — a critical factor in demanding maritime environments.
The LS series is widely regarded as a forward-thinking solution for modern cargo handling, offering a combination of structural optimisation and high lifting performance.
Purpose-Built Vessel Strategy
Hartman Seatrade’s new vessel follows a staged European construction pathway:
- Hull construction: Szczecin, Poland
- Crane manufacturing: Rostock, Germany (Liebherr facility)
- Final outfitting: Netherlands
During its stop in Rostock, the vessel will receive installation of the slewing columns before proceeding to final completion. The resulting vessel is engineered specifically for dependable heavy-lift and project cargo operations, combining speed, care, and operational precision.
Long-Standing Partnership Since 2006
Teele Hartman, Managing Director of Hartman Seatrade, highlighted the enduring collaboration:
“Our partnership with Liebherr dates back to 2006, and today we have two of their cranes operating on one Seatrade vessel. The equipment has proven exceptionally reliable and precise, delivering the performance our operations demand. Just as important, the collaboration with the Liebherr team has been exemplary — responsive, professional, and solution-oriented at every step.”
Niek Brabers, Sales Manager at Liebherr Netherlands, emphasized the technological evolution behind the LS 250:
“The LS 250 reflects our focus on efficiency, safety, and adaptability. Its slimmer tapered slewing column and streamlined boom enable precise handling with lower weight and improved onboard integration. Our teams remain solution-driven from engineering to installation in Rostock.”
Advanced Control and Global Service Support
The crane package includes Liebherr’s in-house Litronic control system, which provides:
- Real-time operating data
- Automatic load-dependent speed adjustment
- Smooth load curve management
- Modular expansion capabilities
Litronic serves as the direct interface between crane and operator, supporting safety and operational efficiency without manual switching.
Liebherr’s global service network spans more than 50 subsidiaries, providing inspections, maintenance programmes, technical training, and remote support. This structure ensures high equipment availability and short response times worldwide.
Delivery Timeline
Delivery of the main crane components will occur in stages between 2027 and early 2028, enabling coordinated integration with the vessel’s build schedule.
With the addition of the LS 250 cranes, Hartman Seatrade reinforces its role as a specialist in high-performance maritime logistics and sets a new benchmark in heavy-lift vessel capability.
