Garbsen, Germany – Schwarze ASC GmbH is turning up the volume on sustainability with the newest addition to its crane fleet: the Liebherr LTM 1150-5.3, a high-performance 150-tonne mobile crane fully compatible with HVO 100 biofuel. The investment underscores the company’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions and driving eco-conscious operations in the heavy lifting industry.
High-Performance Meets High Sustainability
With the LTM 1150-5.3, Schwarze strengthens its capabilities in the lifting class between 130 and 220 tonnes, filling a strategic gap just below its 220-tonne crane. The new crane not only continues Liebherr’s tradition of robust, reliable engineering, but also embodies Schwarze’s evolving mission: to integrate climate-conscious practices without sacrificing performance.
“We’re thrilled to expand our fleet with a machine that supports our environmental values without compromising on power,” said Nina Schwarze, Managing Director of the family-run firm. “We’ve had great results with the LTM 1130-5.1, and this 150-tonne model now lets us operate even more efficiently—and sustainably.”
Powered by HVO 100: A CO₂ Breakthrough
The LTM 1150-5.3 will run exclusively on HVO 100 (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil), enabling up to 90% CO₂ reduction compared to conventional diesel. This transition is part of a wider corporate strategy dubbed “Schwarze goes green”, which saw the company switch its entire operation to HVO in March 2025.
“With HVO, we expect to reduce our CO₂ emissions by 850 tonnes this year alone—that’s the equivalent of what 68,000 trees absorb annually,” Nina emphasized.
Unlike other decarbonization technologies that require infrastructure or engine conversions, HVO can power existing heavy-duty machinery immediately, making it an ideal transitional fuel in industries where electrification remains limited.
Liebherr: Leading by Green Example
Liebherr has been an early advocate for HVO adoption. Since September 2021, all mobile and crawler cranes leaving the Ehingen plant have been test-run and delivered with pure HVO fuel, marking the company as a sustainability pioneer in crane manufacturing.
“The idea of HVO stuck with me after attending Liebherr’s customer days,” said Nina Schwarze. “For now, it’s a more viable and immediate solution than waiting for electric cranes, which aren’t yet suitable for all use cases.”
Sustainability Beyond Fuel
The crane is just one component of Schwarze’s broader environmental push, which includes:
- A large photovoltaic system powering operations
- Rainwater harvesting for wash and maintenance bays
- Electrified company vehicles
- A unique on-site beekeeping project
These measures reflect Schwarze ASC GmbH’s holistic approach to climate responsibility, setting a powerful example for the lifting and logistics sector.
About Schwarze ASC GmbH
Based in Garbsen near Hanover, Schwarze ASC GmbH is a well-established provider of heavy lifting solutions. With decades of experience and a commitment to service, quality, and innovation, the company has become a trusted partner for industrial, infrastructure, and construction clients across Germany.
