Liebherr Container Cranes Ltd. has successfully concluded a major height extension project for two ship-to-shore (STS) gantry cranes at the Port of Grangemouth, Scotland's largest container terminal.

The project, delivered via the Liebherr Transform service, increased the lift height of the units by 2.2 metres to meet the demands of modern container shipping.

The upgrade targeted two cranes originally delivered in 2006. By raising the portal beam, the port can now support higher container stacks on deck and allow larger, four-high next-generation straddle carriers to operate underneath the crane legs. This operational flexibility is essential for the port, which handles over 250,000 TEU annually and faces evolving equipment requirements.

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A key engineering highlight of the project was the on-rail execution. Both cranes remained on their existing rails throughout the process, which significantly reduced terminal downtime. Each crane was successfully raised in a six-week window, ensuring minimal disruption to Scotland's vital import and export gateway.

Craig Torrance, Asset Manager at The Port of Grangemouth, commented: "Our crane upgrade is a significant step forward as we ensure that we future proof our container operations for our customers. The ability to handle higher container stacks and larger straddle carriers at the terminal ensures we remain competitive and efficient in a fast-changing market."

Oran Kane, Global Manager – Upgrades at Liebherr Container Cranes Ltd., added: "Rather than replacing the existing cranes, we helped to unlock new capabilities and extend the crane service life. It's a cost-effective, sustainable solution that delivers long-term value for Forth Ports Grangemouth."

The successful completion of this project ensures that the Port of Grangemouth remains equipped to handle the latest maritime logistics trends while maximising the lifespan of its existing high-value assets.