Algeria Orders 20 Liebherr Mobile Harbor Cranes
Liebherr Maritime Cranes has received an important order for its mobile harbor crane range from Algeria, Africa. A purchasing association of Algerian port operators has opted for 20 Liebherr mobile harbor cranes (LHM).
The purchasing association consists of seven Algerian port companies, which decided to invest in innovative and high-quality port equipment. The mobile harbor cranes will be delivered to various destinations at the Algerian coast, which are Algiers, Annaba, Béjaia, Ghazaouet, Mostaganem, Oran and Skikda. The tasks of this impressive and highly efficient mobile harbor crane fleet will include the handling of general cargo, dry bulk operation and container handling. All of the 20 LHMs will be operational in 2014.
“Liebherr turned out to be the best supplier for us. Short delivery times, local staff and state-of-the-art equipment convinced us. Moreover, Liebherr had the right solution at hand for each port operator involved in this large order,” said a representative manager of the Algerian purchasing association.
Preferred choice of the Algerian ports involved is the LHM 280 model. Eleven units of this type will be delivered and each of above-mentioned ports will soon operate at least one LHM 280. This mobile harbor crane model is well-proven across the globe with deliveries to more than 25 countries.
Two ports will add even more capacity to their operation, opting for Liebherr’s newest model, type LHM 420. Introduced in 2011, the LHM 420 model is the successor of the LHM 400, which represents the most successful LHM with 250 units sold worldwide. Entreprise Portuaire de Skikda has ordered two LHM 420s and another unit of this series will soon start operation for Entreprise Portuaire de Béjaia.
Moreover, Entreprise Portuaire d’Oran has opted for four LHM 120s and will soon operate a total fleet of six Liebherr mobile harbor cranes, designed for state-of-the-art cargo handling. Entreprise Portuaire d’Annaba has ordered two additional LHM 120s which will work side-by-side with the new LHM 280.
“Due to this huge investment in advanced port equipment, Algerian ports will significantly increase their competitiveness in the maritime industry, ensure smooth flow of cargo and are well-prepared for future challenges,” the representative manager added.
“We succeeded in a number of comprehensive tenders in the past, but this order is really unique. It underlines the current market situation, which is treating us very well. We look forward to a great 2014 year,” said Matthias Mungenast, Sales Director for Liebherr mobile harbor cranes.
Liebherr started business in Algeria more than 35 years ago. In 2012, an important milestone was the establishment of a joint-venture with the Algerian public company SOMATEL, a daughter company of ENMTP, which included the installation of a factory in Ain Smara, Constantine. The production site in eastern Algeria manufactures earthmoving equipment, like excavators and bulldozers.
Liebherr mobile harbor cranes also have a long tradition in Algeria, with the first units delivered almost 20 years ago. Thanks to this large mobile harbor crane order, the total number of LHMs delivered to Algeria nearly doubles and jumps to 43.
Based in Algiers and Hassi Messaoud, Liebherr Algérie currently employs a work force of close to 180 people in order to ensure best service for its customers. Additionally, the Liebherr branch provides a significant spare parts stock and highly skilled technicians, allowing for quick response times in Northern Africa. Generally speaking, the strong and well-structured global service network is an important argument for many customers to opt for Liebherr mobile harbor cranes.
Liebherr Maritime Cranes said it is optimistic that the demand for its sophisticated product range will continue on a high level.