Innovative products emerge more often as a result of cross-sectoral combination of technologies and design. The LRS 545 is the latest cargo handling solution from Liebherr and as such benefits not only from the companys collective maritime experience, but also from its expertise in the fields of engine architecture and system control software.

The result is a reachstacker, which exceeds all demands of a modern container terminal. The Port of Ravenna is one of the most frequented Eastern Mediterranean hubs and plays an important role in handling solid bulk commodities, in particular raw materials for the ceramic, grain, fertilizer and flour industry. Furthermore, it is one of the biggest Italian ports when it comes to container throughput.

During the last years Liebherr has already delivered quite a number of mobile harbour cranes to various terminals (Sapir, Bunge, Marcegaglia, Nadep Ovest & Setramar) located in the Port of Ravenna. All cranes are high performing machines and are characterised by utmost reliability. This is where the new Liebherr LRS 545 steps in. Synergies with regards to service and maintenance are further benefits. The complete design of the new reachstacker series is based on the latest technology in order to maximise driver’s comfort, performance and eco-friendliness.

The LRS 545 is equipped with a 4 cylinder, 230 kW Liebherr diesel engine. This downsized engine protects the environment by low fuel consumption and reduced emissions. To fulfil stage IV and tier 4 final legislative requirements, Liebherr relies entirely on an innovative SCR (selective catalytic reduction) system. The inhouse developed system reduces exhaust emissions effectively without a sacrifice in performance.

Performance is also measured by possible down times. The new Liebherr reachstacker is designed for low maintenance. Service intervals of 1000 operating hours provide the necessary reliability and peace of mind for the engineers on-site. Furthermore, intelligent maintenance planning is offered as an option. Remote access and remote technical assistance in order to analyse data and carry out troubleshooting are possible via the internet.

Besides the service personnel, also drivers are enlightened. Its wedge-shaped design provides the desired agility for smooth operation not only in-between narrow container rows. The front blind spot is reduced and the driver can rely on an excellent visual field in all directions, which means enhanced safety at work for the operator. The ergonomic cabin, heated windows, automatic climate control and a unique suspension system, which reduces noise and absorbs shocks, complement a comfortable driving experience. “When technology meets design, magic happens. At least for me, and that is the exactly the case when I start the engine of the new Liebherr reachstacker and begin my shift”, says Mr Leoni, Reachstacker Operator – Port of Ravenna.

The new strong link in the logistic chain of ports and terminals perfectly complements Liebherr Maritime Cranes’ comprehensive portfolio. The Liebher reachstacker range will be further expanded in the long run.

Portfolio throughput weighted by equity share was 36 million TEU for 2015, and when not including the divestment or exit of operations in Houston, Jacksonville, and Charleston, USA and a share in the Med-Center Terminal in Gioia Tauro, Italy, volume declined 1.1% from the year prior, while the overall global container market grew by 1.3%. Lower oil prices in 2015 affected APM Terminals bottom line, as reduced oil revenue resulted in declines in import cargo into oil producing countries in West Africa, Russia and Brazil. The strengthening of the American dollar and divestments in 2014, also caused revenue and margins to decrease. APM Terminals’ North American businesses, however, increased volume and storage income compared to 2014. Overall portfolio productivity, measured by crane lifts per hour, showed a 2% year-to-year increase in 2015.

“Despite weaker global container volume and economic growth, our portfolio management and financial performance, including a Return on Invested Capital (ROIC) of 10.9%, remained on track with our long-term strategy to expand our network’s presence and capabilities to better meet the needs of our customers,” stated APM Terminals CEO Kim Fejfer.

The acquisition of the 11-facility Spanish-based Grup Maritim TCB portfolio,expected to be completed this quarter, will add 4.3 million TEUs of capacity to  the APM Terminals Global Terminal Network in Spain, Turkey, Mexico, Guatemala, Colombia and Brazil. APM Terminals also expanded its interests in port operations beyond the conventional container shipping market with the acquisition of the Vado Ligure Reefer Terminal, in Italy, a 20% share in the new Qingdao Port Dongjiakou Multi-Purpose Terminal, in China, and a 51% majority share in the Cartagena Container Terminal Operator, in Colombia.

“We have made clear progress in Safety Performance during 2015, reducing incidents by 66% compared with 2014. Nevertheless, we cannot become complacent,” noted Mr. Fejfer. The company launched a new program to identify and address high-risk safety situations, in an effort to meet its goal of eliminating fatal accidents.

In 2016, the company’s portfolio will grow with the integration of the Grup TCB facilities as well as new deep-water terminals in Izmir, Turkey; Lázaro Cárdenas, Mexico and Ningbo, China. Other terminals in the pipeline include Vado, Italy opening in 2017, and Moin, Costa Rica opening in 2018.

The new shiploader is part of an EPC turnkey project that include the replacement of the existing loading facilities. With the delivery Bedeschi ends a successful project on one of the major world players in the fertilizer sector.

Bedeschi also reported to have completed the circular storage domes at one of the biggest coal-fired power plant in South Brindisi in Italy. It is operated by Enel Produzione S.p.a.

The Enel project is a turnkey solution, and includes the engineering, construction, complete supply of materials, commissioning and starting up of the coal handling equipment to develop the 2640 MW power plant.

The power plant will utilise coal sourced from Indonesia and South Africa. The project considers the environment with the construction of the two new domes which have a wooden covering structure. As a result the environmental impact equates almost to zero. After extensive testing the equipment was handed over at the end of 2015 to Enel.