Liebherr 520 EC-B Fibre Crane Supports Schuman Bridge Construction in Brest
- Meagan Wood
- Jul 29, 2025
- 3 min read
Updated: Dec 29, 2025
30-Second Takeaway
A Liebherr 520 EC-B 20 Fibre flat-top crane is supporting construction of the new Schuman Bridge in Brest, France, lifting large steel components for a major urban transport project. Operated by Saint-Yves Services, the crane highlights the performance, efficiency, and handling benefits of Liebherr’s fibre rope technology on complex bridge construction works.
A Liebherr 520 EC-B 20 Fibre flat-top tower crane is playing a central role in the construction of the new Schuman Bridge in Brest, France, supporting the precise installation of large steel bridge components. Equipped with Liebherr’s fibre rope technology, the crane is delivering high lifting capacity, reduced weight, and improved handling on one of the region’s most significant infrastructure projects.
The crane is supplied by Saint-Yves Services, which currently operates two Liebherr 520 EC-B Fibre cranes in France as part of its wider tower crane fleet.
Bridge Construction to Support Urban Mobility
The new Schuman Bridge is being built parallel to the existing bridge from the 1950s, which no longer meets the demands of modern transport infrastructure. Once complete, the new structure will support the extension of Brest’s tram line B and provide dedicated access for cyclists and pedestrians.
The bridge spans 204 metres in length and measures 12.25 metres in width. The installation of large prefabricated steel elements requires lifting equipment capable of combining high load capacity with precise positioning, particularly within a constrained urban environment.
Completion of the bridge is scheduled for the end of 2025, with the project expected to significantly improve mobility across the city.
Fibre Rope Technology in Demanding Applications
The Liebherr 520 EC-B 20 Fibre is currently one of the most powerful tower cranes using fibre rope technology in operation in France. The fibre rope delivers several advantages compared with traditional steel ropes, including higher lifting capacity, lower rope weight, and easier handling during installation and operation.
The crane’s modular design, flexible tower configurations, and Litronic control system allow it to adapt to the demands of large-scale infrastructure projects such as bridge construction, where precision and efficiency are critical.
Saint-Yves Services has highlighted the operational benefits of fibre rope technology on the project.
“The combination of power, efficiency, and the straightforward handling of the fibre rope gives us a considerable competitive edge,” said Alexandre Saint-Yves.
The company operates a fleet of 11 Liebherr fibre rope tower cranes, positioning fibre technology as a sustainable and economically efficient solution for future infrastructure and construction projects.
About Saint-Yves Services
Saint-Yves Services is a France-based tower crane specialist providing lifting solutions for major construction and infrastructure projects. The company operates a modern fleet of Liebherr tower cranes, including multiple fibre rope models, supporting complex builds that require high capacity, precision, and efficient site logistics.
Learn more → https://www.saint-yves-services.fr
About Liebherr Tower Cranes
Liebherr Tower Cranes is part of the Liebherr Group and has more than 70 years of experience in lifting technology for construction sites worldwide. The tower crane portfolio includes fast-erecting, top-slewing, luffing jib, special-purpose cranes, and mobile construction cranes, supported by Tower Crane Solutions, service networks, and customer support systems.
Visit website → https://www.liebherr.com/tower-cranes
About the Liebherr Group
The Liebherr Group is a family-owned technology company headquartered in Germany, with a diversified portfolio spanning construction machinery, mining equipment, maritime cranes, aerospace systems, and industrial technologies. The group operates more than 150 companies worldwide, employing over 50,000 people, and reported revenues exceeding €14 billion in 2024.
Visit website → https://www.liebherr.com
Frequently Asked Questions
What crane is being used on the Schuman Bridge project?
A Liebherr 520 EC-B 20 Fibre flat-top tower crane.
Why is fibre rope technology used on this project?
Fibre rope offers higher lifting capacity, reduced weight, and easier handling compared with steel rope, improving efficiency on large infrastructure projects.
Who operates the crane?
The crane is operated by Saint-Yves Services.
What is being lifted?
Large prefabricated steel components used in the construction of the new bridge structure.
When is the bridge scheduled for completion?
The Schuman Bridge is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2025.
