UK’s first Liebherr 1188 EC-H Fibre erected at Portsmouth Naval Base

Liebherr delivered and assembled the tower crane, whose specification was developed in close collaboration between the manufacturer and KBS Maritime to suit long-term operation in a demanding maritime environment. The unit will support the naval base’s growth and is intended to boost efficiency across its operations.

Specified against salt and weather

Portsmouth’s exposed, corrosive conditions shaped the build. The crane is finished with ICP, a maritime-grade paint system designed to withstand corrosion, and carries a stainless steel control cabinet, while ladders, handrails and access platforms are galvanised to cut maintenance over the crane’s service life.

The fibre rope is central to that low-maintenance approach. Liebherr’s fibre rope offers around 40 per cent higher peak capacities than conventional steel rope and is far lighter to handle, but on this site its corrosion resistance counts most.

“This is a real game changer; the fibre rope has many benefits and the main one in this case is that the structure is corrosion resistant. Traditional ropes require constant maintenance, so to be able to offer this as a solution for this project is helping to reduce maintenance and maintain uptime.”

— Simon Cook, Tower Cranes Divisional Manager, Liebherr Great Britain

Heavy components, precise placement

The crane’s figures match the scale of the base’s workload: it lifts up to 40 tonnes at a 22-metre radius, and still handles 8.1 tonnes at a 90-metre radius in four-fall operation — capacities suited to transporting and installing heavy components that must be positioned with precision.

Liebherr and KBS Maritime worked together from the first discussions and technical drawings through to installation and service support. “All parts of the division have been engaged with the project. Our service and support team have been pivotal in ensuring a safe and successful project,” said Cook.