Liebherr LS-C 60 ship crane picked for Polynesian supply vessel

The Tuamotu archipelago counts among the most scattered island regions anywhere, and its communities depend on regular shipping for everyday supplies. Operator TMTO, a wholly owned subsidiary of SNP and already a Liebherr customer, maintains those connections — and its next vessel will carry a Liebherr crane on deck.

One vessel for freight and passengers

The Mareva Nui II combines cargo capacity with passenger accommodation in a single hull. Handelskade, the Dutch shipbuilding and maritime consultancy firm behind the project, is having the ship built at Hong Ha Shipyard in Vietnam and will deliver it as a complete turnkey package covering engineering, construction, sourcing and commissioning. Tween decks, folding hatch covers and dedicated living quarters reflect the dual role.

“This vessel is a vital link for TMTO’s operations, enabling them to serve communities across the Tuamotu islands with greater efficiency and reliability. The crane enables TMTO to manage different types of cargo in a consistent and dependable way.”

— Menno van der Plas, Director, Handelskade

Why a cylinder-luffing crane

The LS-C 60 lifts up to 40 tonnes, enough for a cargo mix that runs from general supplies to heavier project loads, and works down to a minimum radius of three metres so it can reach stowage close to the pedestal on a compact deck. Its cylinder-luffing arrangement does away with much of the reeving found on rope-luffing cranes: fewer wire ropes and sheaves mean less maintenance over the vessel’s life, a real consideration for a ship working far from major repair facilities.

The crane’s compact footprint and low centre of gravity also serve the naval architects, preserving deck space and supporting vessel stability on a ship where cargo handling and passenger operations run side by side.

“This project underlines the importance of selecting equipment that aligns with both vessel design and operating conditions. The LS-C 60 provides a well-balanced solution for this type of vessel concept.”

— Christian Voigtländer, Sales Manager, Liebherr-Rostock GmbH

Approaching completion

With the Mareva Nui II nearing completion, the vessel is set to enter service fully equipped, keeping the supply lines open across one of the Pacific’s most dispersed island groups.