Grove RT550E Brings Precision Lifting to the Baltic Sea’s Largest Private Marina

30-Second Takeaway

Ancora Marina, the largest private yacht harbor on the Baltic Sea, has strengthened its operational capabilities with the addition of a Grove RT550E rough-terrain crane. Selected for its compact footprint, strong load charts, and exceptional maneuverability, the 45-tonne crane supports everything from yacht handling and mast installations to maintenance and repair work. Designed for tight, sensitive environments, the RT550E delivers the precision, control, and safety required in one of northern Germany’s busiest marine facilities.

The largest, most modern private yacht harbor on the Baltic Sea has taken delivery of a Grove RT550E rough-terrain crane to perform a variety of duties, including repairs, building work, boat handling, mast installations, and general maintenance. Sheltered deep within the Bay of Lübeck, in Neustadt in Holstein, northern Germany, facility-owner Ancora Marina selected the crane for its impressive 45 t capacity and 39 m main boom. The largest, most modern private yacht harbor on the Baltic Sea has taken delivery of a Grove RT550E rough-terrain crane to perform a variety of duties, including repairs, building work, boat handling, mast installations, and general maintenance. Sheltered deep within the Bay of Lübeck, in Neustadt in Holstein, northern Germany, facility-owner ancora Marina selected the crane for its impressive 45 t capacity and 39 m main boom.

“In a marina like this, poorly executed lifting or driving could easily result in costly damage, so the clear and confident operation we get from our new, compact Grove RT550E is very reassuring,” said Ralf Schmidt, head of operational services at the marina. “The crane’s load charts were also an important factor in our purchase, considering the capacity and reach we need for different applications.”

Ready to set sail!

With its tight 3.66 m wheelbase producing a turning radius of just 7.02 m in 2-wheel steer mode, the crane is ideal for congested sites such as the marina. For even closer maneuvering, the crane can operate in 4-wheel steer (with crab and coordinated modes). This versatile movement means the amount of time required for the operator to position the crane is reduced, enabling complex lifting operations to be performed quickly and easily.

There’s plenty of reach too from the five-section MEGAFORM™ main boom, which extends from 9.9 to 39 m. Even at its maximum length, there’s plenty of strength, with the crane able to lift 0.7 t at a 32 m radius more than enough to handle daily lift requirements at the marina.

Manitowoc’s popular and intuitive Crane Control System (CCS) is included on the RT550E and provides a user-friendly interface for launching Boom Configurator Mode, another feature that appealed to ancora Marina. It simplifies the telescoping process and increases productivity and efficiency. With two full-color graphic displays for clearer viewing and armrest-mounted jog dial controls for easier navigation and data input, all relevant information and support are at the operator’s fingertips.

Once the crane is in position, its hydraulic-telescoping, three-position (0%, 50%, and fully extended) inverted outrigger jacks provide a firm foundation to ensure each pick is performed as smoothly as possible.

Off to a great start

“It’s a busy environment all year round at Ancora Marina, so the Grove RT550E’s maneuverability and ease of use make it a vital part of our operations,” Schmidt concluded. “It’s already been working well, and our operators really appreciate the comfortable full-vision cab that makes their task so much easier.”

The RT550E is one of several rough-terrain Grove cranes built at Manitowoc’s Niella Tanaro, Italy production facility. Other models include the RT530E-2, RT540E, GRT655/655L, and the GRT880 and GRT8100.

There are 1,400 berths for yachts at the ancora Marina, ranging in size from 6 – 35 m, along with over 21,000 m2 of indoor space dedicated to winter storage plus another 20,000 m2 of asphalted outdoor area. The facility provides customers with year-round service and support, including complex repairs.

“In a marina like this, poorly executed lifting or driving could easily result in costly damage, so the clear and confident operation we get from our new, compact Grove RT550E is very reassuring,” said Ralf Schmidt, head of operational services at the marina. “The crane’s load charts were also an important factor in our purchase, considering the capacity and reach we need for different applications.”

About Ancora Marina

Ancora Marina is the largest and most modern private yacht harbor on the Baltic Sea, located in Neustadt in Holstein, Germany. Sheltered within the Bay of Lübeck, the marina offers over 1,400 berths for yachts ranging from 6 to 35 meters, along with more than 21,000 square meters of indoor winter storage and an additional 20,000 square meters of outdoor space.

Operating year-round, Ancora Marina provides comprehensive services including yacht handling, maintenance, repairs, and infrastructure support. Its investment in advanced lifting equipment like the Grove RT550E reflects a strong commitment to safety, operational excellence, and premium service for vessel owners.

🌐 Learn more: https://www.ancora-marina.com

About Grove Cranes, A Manitowoc Brand

Grove is a globally recognized crane brand and a division of Manitowoc, specializing in all-terrain, rough-terrain, and truck-mounted cranes. Known for innovation, reliability, and strong load charts, Grove cranes are widely used across construction, industrial, infrastructure, energy, and marine applications.

The Grove RT550E is manufactured at Manitowoc’s production facility in Niella Tanaro, Italy, alongside other advanced rough-terrain models including the RT530E-2, RT540E, GRT655/655L, GRT880, and GRT8100.

🌐 Learn more: https://www.manitowoc.com/grove

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Ancora Marina choose the Grove RT550E?

Ancora Marina selected the Grove RT550E for its combination of compact size, strong lifting capacity, and precise control. In a marina environment where space is limited and assets are highly valuable, safe and confident crane operation is critical.

What types of work will the RT550E perform at the marina?

The crane supports a wide range of tasks including yacht and boat handling, mast installations, infrastructure repairs, building work, and general maintenance throughout the harbor.

How does the RT550E perform in tight spaces?

With a short 3.66-meter wheelbase and a tight 7.02-meter turning radius in two-wheel steer mode, the RT550E excels in confined areas. Four-wheel steer, crab, and coordinated steering modes further enhance maneuverability.

What is the crane’s lifting capability and reach?

The Grove RT550E offers a maximum lifting capacity of 45 tonnes and features a five-section MEGAFORM™ boom extending from 9.9 to 39 meters. It can lift 0.7 tonnes at a 32-meter radius, ideal for marina operations.

What operator-focused technologies are included?

The crane is equipped with Manitowoc’s Crane Control System (CCS), featuring Boom Configurator Mode, dual full-color displays, and intuitive controls that simplify setup, improve accuracy, and enhance productivity.

Why are rough-terrain cranes suitable for marine environments?

Rough-terrain cranes offer stability, precise control, and adaptability on uneven surfaces, making them well suited for ports and marinas where ground conditions, space constraints, and safety demands are high.