Bar Port has received a new mobile crane following the destruction of all three previous ship-to-shore cranes in a natural disaster, which caused damages estimated at €13.5 million.
The crane, a Liebherr LHM550 from Germany, costs €5.93 million including all duties and is currently being installed, with completion expected by September 6. It has a nominal lifting capacity of 144 tons and a maximum reach of 54 meters, capable of handling bulk cargo, general cargo, and containers. The crane will operate at the terminal handling dry bulk, liquid, and special cargo, which accounts for about 75% of Bar Port’s total cargo volume.
Port CEO Ilija Pješčić stated that the new crane will restore operational capacity, increase daily cargo handling rates, allow simultaneous berthing of multiple ships, and reduce the risk of unloading delays caused by mechanical failures.
The crane will also help Bar Port fulfill long-term contracts, including handling copper concentrate for Zijin, bauxite for Uniprom Metals, and upcoming coal shipments for Elektroprivreda Srbije, while strengthening the port’s ability to attract new customers.