PD Ports expands with third electric LPS 550 at Teesport; to boost bulk handling capacity and throughput

PD Ports expands with third electric LPS 550 at Teesport; to boost bulk handling capacity and throughput

Uninterrupted uptime leads PD Ports to expand operations with a third electric LPS 550 - Liebherr

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Uninterrupted uptime leads PD Ports to expand operations with a third electric LPS 550

Following the arrival of two LPS 550 portal slewing cranes with electric drives in 2023, Liebherr has delivered a third crane to strengthen bulk handling capability for demanding operations

Middlesbrough‑based PD Ports operates Teesport, handling containers, bulk and project cargo using Liebherr equipment to meet the needs of its diverse customer base

The expansion strengthens Teesport’s position as one of the UK’s largest ports with deep‑water access and strong rail connectivity, facilitating around 26-28 million tonnes of cargo annually and making a significant contribution to the regional economic

The LPS 550 combines electric drive systems, precise engineering and smooth operation to deliver steady performance. Liebherr’s innovative design also ensures accurate grab operations, providing operators with a reliable tool when bulk vessels stack at the berth.

Reliability, taken seriously at the quayside. From Liebherr’s Baltic‑side production facility, an LPS 550 fitted with an electric drive has been delivered to Middlesbrough to increase PD Ports’ productivity. The new machine will focus on bulk work at Teesport, complementing two sister cranes commissioned in 2023, strengthening hatch coverage and maintaining consistent cycle times.

Day‑to‑day, the Port supports a complex gateway that handles tens of millions of tonnes of cargo each year, with over £1.4 billion contributed to the regional economy. With easy access from the sea, deep quays and rail connections timed around ship arrivals, the Port is well positioned to benefit from equipment that operates reliably, quietly and on schedule.

A port shaped by industry, focused on future freight

The Port’s objective is straightforward: keep bulk ships on schedule while maintaining berth flexibility during peaks. The LPS 550’s long outreach reduces repositioning across wider hatches, while its 144-tonne capacity supports heavier lifts across mixed cargo operations. The addition of the third LPS 550 further enhances PD Ports’ capabilities and opens up new business opportunities.

Grant Honzik, Business Unit Director – Bulks at PD Ports, said: ‘This latest investment is about building resilience and capacity into our bulk operations at Teesport for the long term.

‘The performance and reliability of the existing Liebherr cranes has been proven day in, day out, and adding a third LPS 550 gives us greater flexibility on the berth and more headroom during peak demand.

‘For our customers, that means consistent performance, quicker turnarounds and confidence that Teesport can keep cargo moving efficiently.

‘It’s another practical step in our continued investment programme to make sure the port remains a dependable, high capacity gateway for bulk and mixed cargo flows.’ As the official Port Authority for the area and a major regional employer with sites across the UK, PD Ports approaches this investment with a clear focus on safety, long‑term growth and practical results.

Engineering capacity for bulk, flexibility for mixed cargo

Electric drives allow the crane to move smoothly and precisely, helping operators work consistently over long shifts. Operating exclusively on shore power, the crane runs without combustion, eliminating fuel use and supporting a fully electric, efficient way of working. The crane’s portal structure leaves plenty of room for trucks and rail vehicles to move around, helping Teesport make the most of its direct road links via the A66 and A19.

Liebherr Great Britain’s sales and service teams ensure fast access to parts and on‑site support, with maintenance planned around ship and rail schedules to keep cranes available. This helps protect turnaround times and reduces disruption to daily port operations.

Gavin Robinson, Crane Electrical Manager at PD Ports, said: ‘The two previous LPS 550 cranes have been a great success with regard to both volumes handled and the reliability of the cranes.

‘The engineering team work in collaboration with Liebherr GB to ensure the continued efficiency of the LPS 550 fleet at Teesport.’

Liebherr Great Britains’s Divisional Manager Maritime & Port Equipment, David Vaughan, comments: ‘We have been working in partnership with PD Ports since the delivery of its first unit in 2023. To see the repeated trust in our products and services continue to expand has been great. It’s excellent to hear such positive feedback on the reliable uptime and performance of the previous units.’

Reliable equipment, sensible energy use and steady performance sit at the heart of this investment. With its size, long industrial heritage and strong links across North Sea trade routes, Teesport is well placed for growth and the LPS crane fleet is designed to support that future with confidence.

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