Liebherr and ICO celebrate second LHM 550 at Antwerp XL

• ICO, or International Car Operator NV, has purchased a second Liebherr mobile harbor crane of type LHM 550, featuring a 54-meter outreach and a lifting capacity of up to 154 tonnes
• The Vrasene terminal in Antwerp spans 125 hectares and processes around 7,000 vehicles daily, and a growing number of project cargoes by barge
• The use of two LHM 550 is vital for optimizing container and project cargo operations for swifter transshipment and reduced turnaround times
• Featuring an e-drive setup for future readiness, the new mobile harbor crane offers increased lifting capacity compared to the equipment that it replaces

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.

Celebrating innovation and partnership at Antwerp XL. Liebherr and ICO are set to gather for a signing ceremony to commemorate the sale of the second LHM 550 to ICO. This event 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 However, their existing crane has become outdated both technically and in terms of capacity, as unit weights now often exceed 100 tonnes.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.

An investment for the future

“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 organization 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.