Zhong Ren 121 makes its first call in Hamburg
Complex challenges. Seamless solutions.
The deck carrier Zhong Ren 121 achieved a remarkable milestone upon its first arrival at the Port of Hamburg, successfully delivering three massive ship-to-shore cranes for Liebherr Container Crane Ltd. This project demonstrated innovative engineering, detailed planning, and the precise coordination required to overcome extraordinary logistical and operational challenges.
Each of the three state-of-the-art cranes was semi-assembled and erected, measuring 135 meters in length, 31 meters in width, and 43 meters in height, with an individual weight of 1,750 tons. Designed to enhance container handling efficiency, the cranes are now a key part of the HHLA Container Terminal Altenwerder (CTA) – one of Europe’s most advanced terminals.
Tailored engineering and precision execution
The journey began in Cork, Ireland, where the cranes were loaded onto Zhong Ren 121 using roll-on operations via SPMTs on the starboard side. Upon arrival in Hamburg, discharging the cranes posed a significant challenge due to the high quay level at the terminal, which made lateral unloading impossible.
To overcome this, SAL Engineering developed a bespoke discharge strategy, positioning the vessel perpendicular to the quay and unloading the cranes via the stern. This maneuver required precise ballasting and tide synchronization to ensure perfect alignment between the vessel’s stern and the quay.
Additionally, the operation required navigating under Hamburg’s Köhlbrandbrücke bridge with just three meters of clearance during low tide. Close coordination with local port authorities was essential to manage river traffic restrictions and ensure safe passage and unloading.
A milestone in heavy lift engineering
The successful delivery of these dual trolley cranes marks a significant investment in HHLA’s capacity and operational efficiency, further reinforcing the terminal’s reputation for technological excellence.
This achievement was made possible through the dedication and expertise of all teams involved – from meticulous pre-planning to flawless on-site execution. The project stands as a testament to SAL Engineering’s commitment to innovation, safety, and precision, and further strengthens its reputation as a trusted partner in delivering extraordinary heavy lift solutions.
