Somalev Dismantles Liebherr STS Cranes at Port of Casablanca Using LTM 1400-7.1

Somalev Cranes & Logistics has successfully decommissioned two Liebherr ship-to-shore container cranes at the Port of Casablanca as part of a terminal modernisation programme. The Moroccan heavy lifting specialist dismantled over 1,400 tonnes of steel structure using two Liebherr telescopic cranes in a carefully controlled operation conducted during active port activities.

The company deployed a Liebherr LTM 1400-7.1 and an LTM 1250/1 for the complex disassembly, handling lifting heights of up to 70 metres. The telescopic cranes were selected for their high load capacity, flexibility and suitability for confined port environments.

The step-by-step dismantling included removal of boom sections, machinery houses and portal elements. Somalev opted for telescopic cranes instead of lattice boom cranes to allow faster adaptation to varying load conditions and limited ground space, ensuring efficient execution without disrupting ongoing port operations.

The project was characterised by numerous technical and organisational challenges. The age-related changes to the cranes required conservative load assumptions and reinforced rigging solutions. The entire work had to take place in an active terminal environment where only limited space was available for dismantling. At the same time, clearly defined exclusion zones and permanent coordination with the port authorities and terminal operations were required to ensure a safe and trouble-free process.

The dismantling operation itself was particularly complex, as it had to be carried out in the reverse order of the original assembly operation. The various load cases required different crane configurations and rigging arrangements. Synchronised lifting operations between the LTM 1400-7.1 and the LTM 1250/1 were also necessary in several project phases that required exact planning, precise communication and real-time coordination.

Somalev also set high standards in terms of safety. The company carried out project-specific risk assessments of damaged components, implemented redundant rigging systems, defined controlled access areas and permanently monitored wind and crane parameters. At the same time, the team applied a flexible execution methodology to be able to react to unexpected structural conditions. Optimised crane configurations made a contribution to reducing the required floor space to a minimum and keeping disruptions to port operations as low as possible.

Due to the proven reliability of Liebherr cranes – even after many years of intensive use – and precise project planning, the sophisticated disassembly work was successfully completed. The completion of the project emphasises the expertise of Somalev in the field of industrial decommissioning work and proves that the company can carry out complex dismantling work safely, efficiently and with a high level of professional quality.