First Liebherr LPS crane in Africa at Port of Casablanca

Marsa Maroc has added a Liebherr LPS 550 gantry crane to support movement of bulk cargo at the Port of Casablanca in Morocco.

Supplied by Liebherr Afrikas, it is reported to be the first LPS model to be used in Africa.

Delivery of Liebherr LPS 550 gantry crane (Photo: Marsa Maroc)

In standard specification the rail-mounted LPS 550 has a max. lift capacity of 144 tonnes (high-rise variant: 154 tonnes). Maximum lift height is 45 metres and jib length is 54 metres.

Hoisting and lowering speed is 120 m/min. Luffing speed is up to 85 m/min, while slewing speed is max. 1.60 rpm.

The LPS 550 was selected due to its flexibility to serve a range of different ship classes. Rail-guided gantry design also provides high lifting capacities in a compact design.

(Liebherr notes that the LPS 550 is suitable to servicing ships up to the Post-Panama class.)

Power for the LPS is delivered using a low voltage (400 V) or high voltage (1kV to 20 kV) systems. Backup power is usually provided by a diesel gen set.

The Port of Casablanca is one of the busiest port operations in Africa. The site covers 450 hectares and has eight kilometres of docks which can serve up to 40 vessels.

In 2025, Marsa Maroc reported Casablanca handled more than 19 million tonnes of freight.