International Car Operator NV (ICO) has announced the purchase of a second Liebherr LHM 550 mobile harbour crane, marking a significant investment in enhancing the operational capacity of its Vrasene terminal in Antwerp. The terminal, which spans 125 hectares and processes around 7,000 vehicles daily, is increasingly handling project cargo via barge. The acquisition is seen as a vital step in optimising ICO’s cargo operations, with a focus on reducing turnaround times for container and project cargo.
The new LHM 550 crane, featuring a 54-metre outreach and a lifting capacity of up to 154 tonnes, offers greater lifting power compared to the equipment it replaces. This model also boasts an e-drive setup, positioning ICO for future operational efficiencies and reinforcing its commitment to sustainability. The crane is expected to be delivered within eight months and will be used to handle both containers and project cargo at ICO’s Antwerp terminal.
ICO’s decision to invest in a second Liebherr LHM 550 reflects its ongoing strategy to enhance its cargo handling capabilities, especially in the face of increasing unit weights that frequently exceed 100 tonnes. The Vrasene terminal, a key player in Belgium’s port sector, already handles significant volumes of Liebherr-related cargo, with about 75% of the 40,000 tonnes processed annually coming from Liebherr’s operations.
A Strategic Partnership and Investment for the Future
The purchase was celebrated during a signing ceremony at the Antwerp XL event, highlighting the strong partnership between ICO and Liebherr. “At ICO, we are always looking ahead to ensure we have the best equipment to meet the evolving needs of our customers,” said Alain Guillemyn, Managing Director at ICO Terminals. “The addition of the second Liebherr LHM 550 reflects our commitment to innovation and flexibility in handling all kinds of cargo projects, ensuring efficiency and reliability across our operations.”
This investment comes three years after ICO’s first LHM 550 was introduced at its Zeebrugge terminal, a decision that has since proven its value. That crane handled 10,000 tonnes of cargo in its first year, increasing to 22,000 tonnes in the second, and further growth is anticipated this year. The second LHM 550 is expected to drive similar improvements at the Antwerp terminal, positioning ICO to maintain its competitive edge in the market.
Sustainability at the Core of Operations
As part of its commitment to reducing its carbon footprint, ICO has prioritised the use of energy-efficient technologies. Both LHM 550 cranes are equipped with e-drive systems, significantly cutting emissions during operations. The move aligns with ICO’s broader sustainability goals and its ambition to lead in future-ready logistics solutions.
The addition of the second LHM 550 underscores ICO’s forward-thinking approach to port logistics, combining innovation with operational excellence. The strong relationship between ICO and Liebherr is expected to continue driving advances in cargo handling at Antwerp, with both companies focused on efficiency and sustainability in the years ahead.
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