KBS Maritime has procured and installed the UK’s first 1188 EC-H 40 Fibre tower crane at Portsmouth Naval Base, acting on behalf of the Royal Navy.
The crane will serve as a permanent installation at the facility, where it is intended to support ongoing naval operations and infrastructure requirements.
The project required a solution capable of withstanding the harsh maritime conditions present at Portsmouth Naval Base, which is exposed to severe weather and corrosion risks.
KBS Maritime worked closely with crane manufacturer Liebherr to develop specifications tailored to these challenges.
The result was a crane designed for enhanced durability and reduced maintenance needs.
To address the corrosive environment, the crane has been coated with ICP, a maritime-grade paint system. It also uses a stainless steel control cabinet and features galvanised ladders, handrails, and access platforms for added protection and durability.
A notable feature of the installed crane is its use of fibre rope technology, which offers approximately 40% greater peak lifting capacity compared to traditional steel ropes. The fibre rope is lighter and requires less maintenance, according to Liebherr.
Liebherr Great Britain Tower Cranes divisional manager Simon Cook said: “This is a real game changer; the fibre rope has many benefits and the main one in this case is that the structure is corrosion resistant.
“Traditional ropes require constant maintenance, so to be able to offer this as a solution for this project is helping to reduce maintenance and maintain uptime.”
Performance figures for the crane include a lifting capacity of 40t at a 22m radius and the ability to lift up to 8.1t at a 90m radius in four fall operation.
These capabilities allow for the precise handling and installation of large components required at the site.
Collaboration between KBS Maritime and Liebherr extended from initial planning and technical drawings through to installation and service support.
Cook added: “All parts of the division have been engaged with the project. Our service and support team have been pivotal in ensuring a safe and successful project.”
Recently, Haslach used a Liebherr LTM 1230-5.1 mobile crane to install three 20t precast concrete columns at a potato storage hall in Ehingen-Berg, Germany.
