Liebherr Tandem Crane Lift Executes Precision Offload of Sea Lady II at Port of Bassens
- Meagan Wood
- Jan 23
- 5 min read
30 Second Takeaway
In less than 48 hours, a 200-tonne superyacht was lifted, transported, and lowered into dry dock at the Port of Bassens. Using tandem Liebherr cranes, custom rigging, and SPMTs under unstable weather conditions this operation showcased what modern heavy-lift coordination looks like at its best.
Twin Liebherr Cranes Execute Precision Superyacht Lift at Port of Bassens
On January 22, 2026, the heavy-lift vessel Heerengracht arrived at the Port of Bassens carrying a remarkable cargo: the 44-meter superyacht Sea Lady II, weighing approximately 190–200 tonnes. What followed was a tightly choreographed marine heavy-lift operation executed under demanding conditions and strict time constraints.
To unload and lower the yacht into dry dock, two Liebherr all-terrain cranes,the LTM 1650-8.1 and LTM 1750-9.1—were mobilized. Working in tandem, the cranes delivered the lifting capacity and precision required for a load of this size. Due to the vessel’s geometry and weight distribution, engineers designed a custom rigging system featuring approximately 15 spreader beams, ensuring controlled load transfer throughout the lift.
Following the crane operation, the yacht was transported via Self-Propelled Modular Transporters (SPMTs). The wheelbarrowing phase was executed by Cochez, utilizing 1×16 and 1×18 SPMT axle lines to maneuver the yacht safely into its dry-dock position.
Despite periods of unstable weather, the operation remained on schedule through close coordination between CARDEM, MOREAU LEVAGE, the FOSELEV Group, the Ponticelli Group, and Cochez. Overall project management was led by Megalift, whose expertise in engineered lifting solutions and heavy-lift logistics proved critical to the project’s success.
From vessel arrival to final dry-dock placement, the entire operation was completed in less than 48 hours, reinforcing Megalift’s reputation as a leader in complex heavy-lift and marine transport projects.
Photos © CARDEM
About the Companies
GIE MEGALIFT
Specialized in Heavy lifting and complex operations.
The service offering has been particularly defined to provide a high level expertise to handle specific operations requiring large capacities and lifting power.
Operating throughout the national territory, GIE MEGALIFT operates with its high capacities mobile cranes as in particular its latest generation 700 tons crane for all sectors of activity and for all site configurations.
Whatever the project, GIE MEGALIFT will develop its expertise as part of global and secure services.
Liebherr
The Liebherr Group is a family-run technology company with a highly diversified product range. The company is one of the largest construction equipment manufacturers in the world. It also provides high-quality, user-oriented products and services in a wide range of other areas. The Liebherr Group includes over 150 companies across all continents. In 2024, it employed more than 50,000 staff and achieved combined revenues of over 14 billion euros. Liebherr was founded by Hans Liebherr in 1949 in the southern German town of Kirchdorf an der Iller. Since then, the employees have been pursuing the goal of achieving continuous technological innovation, and bringing industry-leading solutions to its customers.
CARDEM
The leading European companies in the field of deconstruction. The company specializes in asbestos removal and decontamination , selective dismantling and stripping , topping , as well as mechanical and explosive demolition.
Website: https://cardem.fr/
MOREAU LEVAGE
Specialized in Lifting, Handling, Transport, Personnel lifting in all sectors of activity, MOREAU LEVAGE CHARENTAIS is the privileged partner of major clients in the construction, building and public works, industry, energy and food-processing sectors in the Cognac basin. The range of services includes quality lifting services adapted to all types of work on the Charente and New Aquitaine rivers, as well as equipment handling and transport services. MOREAU offers rentals of mobile telescopic cranes of all tonnages, mobile tower cranes, boom trucks, aerial work platforms and special equipment for operations of all durations. Our teams are available to answer all technical questions and requests for quotes and estimates for your lifting, handling and transport operations in Cognac and its region.
FOSELEV Group
A major player in the fields of construction, industry, nuclear and energy, the FOSELEV Group assists businesses in France and internationally, offering fully service-oriented integrated industrial solutions.
Acting as a genuine industrial partner for the past 50 years, the Group focuses on achieving success in its projects, and is committed to serving enterprises in various sectors.
Our nationally acclaimed industrial Group proposes multi-skilled solutions, with activities revolving around three areas of expertise:
This multi-trade model’s strength lies in our comprehensive approach to addressing our clients’ needs.
With a current workforce of 3200 employees comprising our network of 135 local agencies, we apply a strong spirit of service, and keep total client satisfaction as main objective.
As lead contractor, our expertise and know-how guarantee top quality services, as recognized by numerous clients and partners, and validated by the most demanding certifications and accreditations.
We capitalize on the complementary nature of our trades through the generation of group synergy, cornerstone of our activities.
Website: https://www.foselev.com/en/group/
Ponticelli Group
Supports their clients worldwide in the design, construction, and maintenance of their production facilities. Specializing in mechanical engineering, piping, and lifting, we offer our clients customized solutions perfectly tailored to their needs. We manage these projects from start to finish, from engineering and execution to maintenance and decommissioning.
Cochez (Ponticelli Group)
Founded in 1921, Société Cochez specializes in crane rental, assembly and lifting, industrial handling, jacking of engineering structures and studies.
The expertise and professionalism acquired over the years allow Cochez to provide its clients with high-level skills.
Thanks to its locations and those of the group, Société Cochez operates within most of the local industries of Valenciennes, Orléans, Dunkirk, and also throughout the French territory, if the unity and continuity of a service for a client or a specific activity requires it.
Website: https://cochez-sa.com/
Frequently Asked Questions
How heavy was the Sea Lady II?
The superyacht weighed approximately 190–200 tonnes, requiring high-capacity cranes and engineered rigging.
Which cranes were used during the operation?
Two Liebherr all-terrain cranes were used: the LTM 1650-8.1 and LTM 1750-9.1.
Why was custom rigging necessary?
The yacht’s size and structural layout required a specialized rigging system using around 15 spreader beams to distribute loads safely.
What role did SPMTs play in the project?
SPMTs allowed controlled transport and final positioning of the yacht into dry dock using 1×16 and 1×18 axle configurations.
Who managed the heavy-lift operation?
Megalift served as the overall project manager, coordinating crane operations, logistics, and partner collaboration.
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