A ‘step change’ in timber handling

CRANES: The three LHM 550 mobile harbour cranes at work at Eastland Port. Picture by Liam Clayton

A state-of-the-art timber handling solution has been developed for the ports of Tauranga and Gisborne by

Liebherr Maritime Cranes, working with port logistics company ISO Ltd, a Qube company and Piener Smag Lifting Technologies.

Liebherr says the project marks a significant milestone for the forestry industry in New Zealand and demonstrates its commitment to delivering innovative solutions that drive efficiency and safety in maritime operations.

The project began in mid-2018 with customer meetings in Tauranga and Gisborne. In September 2019, customers met at the Liebherr Rostock manufacturing plant for the first test of the Smag electric-hydraulic grapples, and a contract was signed for four LHM 550 cranes and six Smag timber grabs. A crane simulator to assist with training of crane operators was also part of the purchase for Tauranga.

In January 2020, a successful second grab test was completed with a new bucket design, and production of the six grabs was released.

By the first quarter of 2020, the crane simulator had been delivered and installed at the Port of Tauranga. In mid-July 2020, the four fully assembled LHM 550 mobile harbour cranes and six timber grabs were loaded on to the ship “Rolldock Sun” and arrived in Tauranga in early September 2020.

A further contract was signed for two more LHM 550 and three more Smag timber grabs which arrived at Eastland Port, Gisborne in November 2021.

Turnover at the ports has been increased by as much as 35 percent.

ISO chief executive Paul Cameron called it a “lighthouse project” for one of New Zealand’s leading industries.

“The new MHCs (mobile harbour cranes) have significantly changed the way logs are loaded in New Zealand and most importantly are a significant step-change to our current practices, improving both safety and productivity.”

Eastland Port chief operating officer regional infrastructure Andrew Gaddum was also impressed with the machines.

“ISO Ltd’s mobile harbour cranes have made a significant difference to our operations. It’s good to see innovative equipment arriving on the port that improves both safety and efficiency.”

Not only has this project opened up potential for further shipments with ISO, but other companies have also expressed interest in more efficient and safer ways of handling timber.

Forestry is a significant industry in New Zealand, contributing annual export revenue of around $6.8 billion —1.6 percent of New Zealand’s GDP — and to the employment of around 35,000 people in production, processing and commercialisation.