Liebherr sells LHM 550 crane to Antwerp XL

The signing ceremony was held at Antwerp XL on October 9 to commemorate the occasion. L-R: Philippe Collard, General Manager Operations at ICO Terminals; Pieter Vuylsteke, Director at Liebherr-Belgium; Henning Jaenisch, Sales Manager, Mobile Harbour Cranes at Liebherr Rostock

Liebherr Group and International Car Operator (ICO) NV at Antwerp XL have signed an agreement for the sale of the second LHM 550 crane to ICO.

This development, according to a statement by Liebherr-MCCtec Rostock GmbH, underscores the strong relationship between the two companies and their shared commitment to innovation in cargo handling.

In Antwerp, ICO has been managing substantial volumes of out-of-gauge project cargo for years. However, their existing crane has become outdated both technically and in terms of capacity, as unit weights now often exceed 100 tonnes. Notably, about 75% of the cargo handled annually at the Antwerp terminal, amounting to 40,000 tonnes, consists of Liebherr cargo. This is a testament to modern and sustainable logistics, with Liebherr Colmar dispatching nearly all its overseas products by barge to the terminal, from where the cargo is distributed to various shipment berths.

The second LHM 550 will be used for handling containers and project cargo at ICO’s terminal in Antwerp. The crane is currently scheduled to leave the factory in eight months. ICO has a successful history in lifting project cargo, previously using an LTM, and has experience with Liebherr cranes by renting them when needed. The choice for this model is driven by its enhanced lifting capacity and the excellent relationship with Liebherr, supported by the nearby Liebherr Belgium office and guaranteed high-level customer service.

“At ICO, we are constantly looking ahead to ensure we have the best equipment and technology to meet the evolving needs of our customers,” says Alain Guillemyn, Managing Director at ICO Terminals. “The addition of the second Liebherr LHM 550 to our Antwerp terminal reflects our commitment to innovation and flexibility for all kinds of cargo projects. We aim to deliver efficiency and reliability across every operation, from traditional vehicle handling to complex project cargo. This investment further strengthens our position as a leader in sustainable, future-ready logistics solutions.”

Since its establishment in 2003, ICO has been a leader in the roll-on/roll-off cargo handling sector. At the end of 2021, they made a strategic decision to invest in a Liebherr LHM 550 mobile harbour crane for their Zeebrugge terminal. This move was driven by the need to diversify beyond their core business of car handling and to meet the growing customer demand for increased RoRo shipment of project cargoes delivered by barge.

Three years on, it is clear that this was the right path to take. The first Liebherr LHM 550 handled 10,000 tonnes in its first year, 22,000 tonnes in the second, and a significant increase is anticipated in 2024. Today, ICO is pleased to announce the purchase of another LHM 550, this time for their Antwerp operations. The addition of the second LHM 550 not only boosts current operational efficiency but also prepares the company for future growth, enabling faster loading and unloading processes essential for maintaining a competitive edge.

In line with its commitment to sustainability, the organisation is focused on reducing its carbon footprint through innovative technologies and practices. The two mobile harbour cranes play a crucial role in these efforts with their energy-efficient e-drive systems, which significantly cut emissions during operations.

The signing ceremony at Antwerp XL is a reminder of the continuous journey towards improving port logistics. The partnership between ICO and Liebherr showcase ways in which innovative technologies and better cargo-handling help move the industry forward.

ICO Terminals is a global player in Roll-on/Roll-off cargo handling and storage. Our services not only include efficient loading and unloading of cars, construction equipment and breakbulk, but also extend to vehicle handling, ship agency and full handling of customs obligations.

Founded in 1984, the company handles more than 2 million vehicles annually, with terminals in Zeebrugge and Antwerp. This is due to its strategic location at the heart of the European automotive industry. ICO is thus recognized as a crucial link in the logistics chain of the world’s leading car brands and RoRo shipping companies.

ICO distinguishes itself by completely unburdening car dealers. The company acts as a one-stop shop for everything related to the unloading, handling and transportation of goods. As a subsidiary of Nippon Yusen Kaisha (NYK), a leading transportation company, ICO has more than 1,000 dedicated employees working in Zeebrugge and Antwerpen.

The first Liebherr mobile harbour crane of the latest product generation, delivered to ICO in 2021 and equipped with an e-drive, can be seen lifting project cargo at the Zeebrugge terminal.