BLG inaugurates new mobile harbor crane from Liebherr in Bremerhaven

The new mobile harbor crane at the BLG AutoTerminal Bremerhaven was ceremoniously named “Frieda” today by Kristina Vogt, Bremen’s Senator for Economic Affairs, Ports, and Transformation. Over 150 submitted name suggestions from the readership of the Nordsee-Zeitung demonstrate the close connection of the people of Bremerhaven to the port and to BLG.

(Bremerhaven) The new mobile harbor crane of the type Liebherr LHM 550 elevates the handling capacity at the terminal to a new level: With a lifting capacity of up to 154 tons, a reach of 54 meters, and a weight of 440 tons, the device is optimally designed for the demands of modern heavy cargo handling. Environmentally, the crane is also an advancement: With ten driven axles, it is flexible to use on the premises and can be operated with shore power – another contribution to low-emission port logistics.

The crane was built at the Liebherr plant in Rostock. It reached Bremerhaven via water – a logistical achievement that reflects the character of the device as a maritime heavyweight.

Clear commitment to the location Bremerhaven

The investment of around five million euros is a clear commitment from BLG LOGISTICS to the location Bremerhaven. After several years of preparation and planning, the naming now marks a visible milestone.

Kristina Vogt, Senator for Economic Affairs, Ports, and Transformation of the Free Hanseatic City of Bremen, emphasized the significance of the investment at the naming ceremony: “With the new crane, Bremerhaven can show what the port can do: more weight, more reach, more flexibility. BLG’s investment strengthens the location in a concrete way, especially in heavy cargo handling, where special requirements are placed on technology and logistics. Such modern devices make the difference when it comes to attracting new cargo and securing Bremerhaven’s future – both economically and ecologically.”

Axel Krichel, member of the board and COO of the BLG Group, also emphasizes: “Frieda takes us to a new level in heavy cargo handling and is a clear commitment to the development of the location. As the largest employer in Bremerhaven, we are very aware of our responsibility – economically, ecologically, and infrastructurally. That we found the name together with the citizens of the region shows our close connection to the city.

Competition for naming received great response

The naming took place as part of a public competition conducted by BLG in collaboration with the Nordsee-Zeitung. Readers were invited to submit creative suggestions for the new crane. Over 150 submissions were received – the selection was made by a jury composed of employees from BLG LOGISTICS and the Nordsee-Zeitung.

The name Frieda now awarded symbolizes strength, future viability, and the close connection between the port and the city of Bremerhaven. In addition, it impresses with a technically inspired neologism: “Frieda” stands for Functional Maneuvering Crane for Industrial Unloading and Dynamic Applications. This creative suggestion was submitted by Roberto Larze – his idea was compelling both for its thoughtful conceptual derivation and its memorable, likable form.

First heavy load operation successfully mastered

The new mobile harbor crane already completed its first practical operation on July 4 – and that with a real heavyweight: A transformer weighing 118 tons was delivered by inland ship from Poland and loaded at the terminal. Destination: the USA. While a second crane would have been necessary for such a loading in the past, the new LHM 550 was able to handle the job in a single lift with confidence. The successful maiden lift impressively confirms the performance capabilities of the new technology – and simultaneously marks the beginning of a new era at the location.

Photo: © BLG/Liebherr / Image caption (l.r.): Eric Hein (Liebherr), Elke Kreowski (mother-in-law of the winner), Maik Laudan (Liebherr), Karsten Dirks (operational managing director BLG AutoTerminal Bremerhaven), Roberto Larze (winner of the naming competition) with his daughter Caramia Frieda, Axel Krichel (board member & COO BLG Group), Kristina Vogt (Senator for Ports, Economic Affairs, and Transformation), Melf Grantz (Mayor of the City of Bremerhaven), and Andreas Ritschel (Liebherr) in front of the new mobile harbor crane of BLG.