Marsa Maroc has selected a new rail-mounted Liebherr LPS 550 electric crane for bulk cargo operations at the Port of Casablanca. The crane has a 48-metre boom and provides the reach, lifting capacity and precision needed for vessel loading and unloading.
Marsa Maroc, Morocco’s leading terminal operator, is expanding its cargo handling capacity at key ports as part of its Marsa 2030 development programme. The company continues to invest in equipment suited to the different types of cargo handled across its network.
The LPS 550 will become the first Liebherr LPS portal slewing crane to operate in Africa. Its arrival marks a new addition to Casablanca’s bulk cargo handling infrastructure and further strengthens the working relationship between Marsa Maroc and Liebherr.
Marsa Maroc was established in 2006 during Morocco’s port sector reform and has since grown into the country’s leading terminal operator. The company chose the Liebherr LPS 550 to strengthen its specialised cargo handling operations while expanding its use of Liebherr equipment across its terminals.
Marsa Maroc will put Africa’s first Liebherr portal slewing crane into service at the Port of Casablanca. The company selected the LPS 550 to handle bulk cargo and support operations at one of North Africa’s busiest maritime gateways. The crane can serve different vessel classes, while its rail-mounted design provides high lifting capacity without taking up unnecessary quay space. Its electric drive system also allows operators to control crane movements accurately during demanding cargo handling operations.
The crane has been configured to meet the operational needs of the Port of Casablanca, where berth productivity and vessel turnaround are important to efficient port operations. The port covers more than 450 hectares, has over 8 kilometres of quays and can accommodate up to 40 vessels at the same time. Its busy operations require reliable cargo handling equipment that can maintain the movement of goods through the terminals.
The project also builds on the existing relationship between Marsa Maroc and Liebherr. Marsa Maroc manages 35 terminals across 21 ports and handles about 67 million tonnes of cargo each year. After receiving three Liebherr LHM 550 mobile harbour cranes in 2024, the company is adding the LPS 550 as a specialised solution for bulk cargo operations.
Casablanca serves as Morocco’s main economic centre and handles a broad mix of cargo, including containers, steel products, cereals, animal feed, minerals and vehicles. In 2025, Marsa Maroc handled more than 19 million tonnes of cargo and nearly 1.1 million TEU across its Casablanca operations, creating a need for equipment that can handle different cargo types and vessel requirements efficiently.
Marsa Maroc said its cooperation with Liebherr has provided reliable equipment, technical support and solutions suited to its operational needs. The company described the introduction of the first LPS crane in Africa as part of its plans to expand its operations and cargo handling capacity.
Marsa Maroc is also planning to receive additional Liebherr cranes for terminals in Nador and Tangier. These projects will increase handling capacity across the company’s port network and support the growing volume and variety of cargo moving through Morocco’s ports.
Through Liebherr Marocco, Marsa Maroc can access local technical support and maintenance services throughout the working life of its equipment. The local team works alongside Liebherr’s wider maritime network to provide support based on the needs of Moroccan port operations.
Liebherr said Marsa Maroc already operates its cranes at several locations, and the LPS 550 adds another type of equipment to its existing fleet. The project also shows how different Liebherr maritime cranes can support specific cargo handling requirements at individual terminals.
Marsa Maroc continues to invest in equipment to support its growing network and diverse cargo operations. The LPS 550 will provide dedicated bulk cargo handling capacity at the Port of Casablanca while expanding the company’s use of Liebherr maritime equipment.
source: Liebherr
