Liebherr Introduces Safer Single-Crane Lifting Solution for Long Loads & Floating Platforms

Liebherr-Werk Nanjing GmbH has developed innovative lifting solutions for its LR series crawler cranes, aiming to improve safety and efficiency in complex lifting scenarios, particularly on floating platforms or handling long, heavy loads. The pile-tilting device eliminates the need for tandem lifts by allowing a single crane to safely tilt or rotate loads up to 90 tonnes from horizontal to vertical using standard crane controls. This system replaces the rope pulley set on the boom and uses two independently or synchronously controlled hoisting winches to minimize swaying.

The pile-tilting device increases safety by reducing the number of people in the danger zone and is more sustainable in terms of diesel consumption, emissions, and transport costs. The pile-tilting device can be attached to all compatible crawler cranes in the LR series with lifting capacities from 130 to 400 tonnes. Liebherr has also developed a special operating mode for crane operations on floating structures, including load curves for different inclinations and assistance systems to prevent load swaying and possible contact with obstacles and people.

Liebherr, a global leader in construction and heavy equipment technology, has introduced a cutting-edge single-crane lifting solution that enhances safety and efficiency for handling long loads and operations on floating platforms. Traditionally, such tasks required synchronized dual-crane operations, which increased complexity, risk, and cost. Liebherr’s new system, however, enables a single crane to perform these lifts with improved load stability, making it a major advancement for the offshore, shipbuilding, and energy sectors. (Pilot)

Innovative Lifting Mechanism

At the heart of this innovation is a custom-engineered lifting beam and load rotation device that compensates for torsion and sway, especially crucial when operating on water-based or unstable ground. This mechanism enables the crane to handle long or oversized components—like wind turbine blades or ship sections with minimal oscillation. It also reduces dependency on highly synchronized operations between two cranes, which are often subject to error.

Applications on Floating Platforms

This solution is particularly impactful for offshore installations and floating construction yards. When cranes are mounted on barges or pontoons, even minor wave movements can severely destabilize loads. Liebherr’s system includes dynamic compensation features and intelligent sensors to balance movements in real time, providing a stable lifting process regardless of water conditions. This makes the solution ideal for offshore wind farms, oil rigs, and floating dry docks.

Safety and Operational Benefits

From a safety standpoint, using a single crane significantly reduces coordination errors, mechanical failure points, and the number of personnel required on site. Liebherr’s design integrates anti-sway control, remote monitoring, and advanced load path planning—all of which contribute to a safer working environment. This is especially valuable in tight harbour areas or hazardous offshore zones where every movement must be calculated.
(Liebherr Introduce)

Global Market Implications

The new system reflects Liebherr’s commitment to modular safety solutions and is poised to reshape how heavy and long-load lifting is approached worldwide. With increasing demand in renewable energy and modular shipbuilding, this technology offers a scalable, efficient alternative to costly dual-crane configurations. It also aligns with sustainability goals by minimizing fuel use, crane footprint, and operational time.