Liebherr LPS 550 Boosts Bulk Handling at Baria Serece Phu My Port
- Meagan Wood
- Dec 3, 2025
- 4 min read
30 Second Takeaway
Baria Serece Phu My Port has enhanced its operational performance with the introduction of a Liebherr LPS 550 portal crane. Designed for high-throughput bulk handling, the crane is already delivering faster vessel turnaround times, strong energy efficiency and handling rates exceeding expectations at one of Vietnam’s key inland port gateways.
Strengthening Bulk Handling at Phu My Port
Baria Serece Phu My Port, strategically located on Vietnam’s Thi Vai River, has strengthened its operational capabilities with the deployment of a Liebherr LPS 550 portal crane.
The terminal serves as a critical gateway for vessels transporting agri-commodities, fertilisers and general cargo, supporting regional and international trade flows. The addition of the new crane is enabling improved productivity and reduced vessel turnaround times.
High-Throughput Crane Design
Built for Demanding Bulk Operations
The Liebherr LPS 550 is purpose-built for high-volume bulk material handling. It features a maximum lifting capacity of 144 tonnes, a 48-metre boom, and Liebherr’s proven hydrostatic drive system, ensuring smooth and precise crane movements.
The crane operates primarily on a high-voltage electric power supply, delivering strong energy efficiency, while a diesel backup system provides operational continuity during grid interruptions.
A four-rope grab system ensures powerful and consistent material flow, while storm anchors and a reinforced crane structure maintain stability during challenging weather conditions.
Proven Performance in Daily Operations
Exceeding Throughput Expectations
Performance testing of the LPS 550 exceeded expectations, with recorded handling rates reaching up to 1,250 tonnes per hour.
Within its first year of operation, the crane achieved approximately 4,000 operating hours and now operates for up to 22 hours per day. This performance supports Phu My Port’s annual throughput of nearly 7 million tonnes, underlining the crane’s role in maintaining high terminal efficiency.
Optimising Quay and Landside Logistics
Efficient Use of Limited Space
Mounted on rails, the LPS 550 features a portal undercarriage design that keeps the quay surface clear for truck movements and conveyor systems. This ensures efficient landside logistics while maximising operational flexibility in a space-constrained port environment.
The crane is supported by Liebherr’s regional service team, providing ongoing maintenance and technical support to ensure long-term reliability and scalability as Vietnam’s trade volumes continue to grow.
Industry Perspective
Engineering Driven by Space and Reliability
Andreas Ritschel, General Manager Sales Mobile Harbour Cranes at Liebherr-Rostock GmbH, highlighted the project’s engineering priorities.
“Space, cycle time and reliability shaped the engineering decisions at Baria Serece. The LPS 550 delivers speed and stability without compromising quay access.”
About Baria Serece Phu My Port
Baria Serece Phu My Port is a strategically located multi-purpose port facility on Vietnam’s Thi Vai River, serving as a critical gateway for bulk, breakbulk and general cargo flows in southern Vietnam. The port supports key commodity sectors including agri-commodities, fertilisers, steel products and project cargo, connecting inland industrial zones with international shipping routes.
With direct access to deep-water channels capable of accommodating larger vessels, Phu My Port plays an important role in Vietnam’s growing export and import economy. Ongoing investment in infrastructure, equipment and operational efficiency has positioned the terminal as a high-throughput logistics hub, supporting annual volumes approaching 7 million tonnes while maintaining flexibility for future growth.
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 across more than 50 countries, delivering products and services to the construction, mining, maritime, aerospace and industrial sectors.
Through its port equipment division, Liebherr designs and manufactures mobile harbour cranes, portal cranes and ship-to-shore solutions engineered for efficiency, reliability and sustainability. Liebherr port cranes are widely used at bulk and container terminals worldwide, supported by a global service network providing lifecycle support, maintenance and technical expertise.
Website: https://www.liebherr.com
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Liebherr LPS 550 portal crane used for?
The Liebherr LPS 550 is designed for high-throughput bulk material handling, including agri-commodities, fertilisers and general cargo. Its configuration supports continuous, efficient loading and unloading operations at ports and terminals.
What is the lifting capacity of the Liebherr LPS 550?
The LPS 550 offers a maximum lifting capacity of 144 tonnes, making it suitable for demanding bulk handling and general cargo applications.
How does the LPS 550 improve energy efficiency?
The crane operates primarily on a high-voltage electric power supply, significantly reducing fuel consumption and emissions. A diesel backup system ensures uninterrupted operation during grid outages.
What handling rates can the LPS 550 achieve?
At Baria Serece Phu My Port, performance tests recorded handling rates of up to 1,250 tonnes per hour, exceeding initial expectations.
Why is the portal undercarriage important?
The rail-mounted portal design keeps the quay surface clear for truck traffic and conveyor systems, improving landside logistics efficiency while maximising use of limited quay space.
How does Liebherr support long-term crane operation?
Liebherr provides regional service
support, including maintenance, spare parts and technical expertise, ensuring reliability and scalability throughout the crane’s operational life.
