Liebherr Accelerates Electric Drive Adoption for Mobile Harbour Cranes

30 Second Takeaway

As ports worldwide accelerate decarbonisation, Liebherr is responding with a rapidly expanding range of electric and hybrid drive systems for mobile harbour cranes. With deliveries of electric-drive cranes increasing by 400% since 2019, Liebherr’s technology is helping operators cut emissions, reduce operating costs and future-proof port infrastructure.

Electrification Gains Momentum in Global Ports

As sustainability targets tighten and the transition away from fossil fuels becomes both an environmental and economic imperative, demand for electric drive systems in port operations is accelerating.

Liebherr, a global leader in mobile harbour crane technology, is responding to this shift with an expanding portfolio of electric and hybrid drive solutions, engineered to suit a wide range of operational and regulatory requirements.

Proven Scale and Market Adoption

A Global Fleet Transition

With more than 2,000 mobile harbour cranes produced and approximately 1,600 units operating in over 130 countries, Liebherr has played a leading role in the electrification of port equipment.

Between 2019 and 2025, the company recorded a 400% increase in deliveries of electric drive mobile harbour cranes, underlining a decisive industry move toward lower-emission technologies.

Adoption has been strongest in India and Türkiye, with significant growth also seen across Europe notably in the Netherlands, France and Poland as well as in the United States and the United Kingdom.

Operational and Environmental Benefits

Efficiency Without Compromise

According to Franz Findel, Product Manager at Liebherr-Rostock GmbH, electric drive systems have already proven their value over many years of operation.

“Our clients have benefitted from electric drives for over two decades. E-drives reduce CO₂ emissions and noise, require minimal maintenance, and improve overall efficiency and reliability without compromising performance.”

Electric drives deliver notable operational savings. While a diesel-powered crane can emit approximately 24 kg of CO₂ per hour while idling, electric cranes consume no energy during downtime. When powered by renewable electricity, emissions reductions can reach up to 100 kg of CO₂ per operating hour.

New Builds and Retrofit Solutions

Flexible Paths to Decarbonisation

Liebherr’s electric drive technology can be integrated into new mobile harbour cranes or retrofitted to existing diesel-powered units, allowing operators to modernise fleets without full equipment replacement.

Supported by Liebherr’s global service network, these retrofit solutions enable ports to adapt to new environmental regulations, access sustainability funding programmes, and extend the operational life of existing assets.

Supporting Future-Ready Port Operations

Reliability, Compliance and Cost Control

Beyond emissions reduction, electric and hybrid drive systems help ports lower long-term operating costs, reduce maintenance requirements and improve reliability key factors for terminals operating under tight margins and increasing regulatory pressure.

As electrification continues to accelerate, Liebherr’s scalable drive solutions are positioning mobile harbour cranes as a central component of future-ready, low-emission port infrastructure.

About Liebherr

The Liebherr Group is a family-owned global manufacturer of construction machinery, material handling equipment and advanced technology solutions. Founded in 1949, Liebherr operates in more than 50 countries, serving industries including construction, mining, maritime, aerospace and industrial logistics.

Through its port equipment division, Liebherr designs and manufactures mobile harbour cranes and portal cranes equipped with diesel, hybrid and fully electric drive systems. A comprehensive global service network provides lifecycle support, maintenance and technical expertise for port operators worldwide.

Website: https://www.liebherr.com

Frequently Asked Questions

What are electric drive mobile harbour cranes?

Electric drive mobile harbour cranes use grid-connected electric motors instead of diesel engines, significantly reducing emissions, noise and fuel consumption during port operations.

Can existing cranes be converted to electric drive?

Yes. Liebherr offers retrofit solutions that allow existing diesel-powered mobile harbour cranes to be converted to electric or hybrid drive systems.

How much CO₂ can electric drives save?

Compared to diesel cranes, electric drives can eliminate idle emissions entirely and, when powered by renewable energy, reduce CO₂ emissions by up to 100 kg per operating hour.

Do electric cranes compromise lifting performance?

No. Liebherr’s electric drive systems are engineered to deliver the same performance, reliability and lifting capacity as conventional diesel-powered cranes.

Which regions are adopting electric harbour cranes fastest?

Strong adoption is currently seen in India and Türkiye, with rapid growth across Europe, the United States and the United Kingdom.