BERGÉ strengthens Santander terminal with a new Liebherr LHM 550 to improve operations

The arrival of a new Liebherr LHM 550 at the Port of Santander marks the next step in BERGÉ’s asset modernization and operational upgrade program.

New crane on the quayside: what it brings

The recently received Liebherr LHM 550 will handle industrial bulk, agro-food products, steel, project cargo and general merchandise at Santander. It joins five sister machines already placed in Bilbao, Tarragona and Huelva as part of a staggered delivery program that began in September 2024.

Where it will be used and why it matters

The LHM 550 in Santander is configured for versatile operations. Its long reach and high capacity make it suitable for:

• Industrial bulk handling where speed and sweep are crucial;
• Agrifood shipments that need careful, fast transshipment to preserve quality;
• Siderurgical (steel) cargoes that demand heavy lifting;
• Project cargo and oversized consignments, including machinery and components;
• General cargo where turnaround time boosts terminal competitiveness.

Fleet modernization and network reach

BERGÉ’s investment in modern cranes fits a wider strategy. The company operates across 27 ports in Spain and France (Bayonne), providing significant geographical reach and storage capacity. The group handles over 30 million tonnes of goods annually and attends almost 10,000 vessels per year, consolidating its role in consignments and terminal services.

Environmental and digital advantages

Two features stand out on the LHM 550: reduced fuel consumption (about 26% less) and acoustic mitigation through mechanical isolation. Add the LiDAT Smart App Maintenance suite for predictive upkeep and you get fewer surprises at the quay: less downtime, smarter servicing and a clearer picture of equipment health in real time.

That combination—energy savings plus digital monitoring—does more than lower costs. It reduces disruption risk, which is the name of the game in logistics: fewer delays, fewer demurrage charges, less rushed overtime. As the old saying goes, it’s a win-win—killing two birds with one stone.

Practical benefits for shippers and port operators

• Améliorée turnaround time for heavy and bulky loads;
• Lower operating costs thanks to fuel efficiency and predictive maintenance;
• Reduced acoustic impact, improving community relations around port zones;
• Scalability for project cargo and specialized handling needs;
• Better data for operations planning via remote monitoring.

How this affects logistics and supply chains

At a practical level, this new asset will raise throughput on the berths where it operates and unlock the terminal’s ability to accept heavier or more complex consignments. That matters to forwarders, hauliers, and shippers moving volumineux ou projet cargo, since crane limitations are often the bottleneck for loading large items onto trucks, rail cars, or vessels.

Platforms that match cargo with carriers can benefit too. For example, GetTransport.com helps businesses find cost-effective global cargo transportation for tasks ranging from office and déménagement relocations to shipping vehicles, furniture, and other bulky goods. When port capacity and handling capability improve, digital freight marketplaces can better plan pickups, reduce idle time for trucks, and optimize dispatch windows.

Operational considerations and lessons learned

Installing modern quay cranes is not just about hardware. Ports must coordinate yard layout, feeder schedules, labor planning and road access to realize the full productivity gain. From experience in yards across Europe, even the most modern cranes need time to reach peak efficiency: operator training, routines for preventive maintenance and integration with terminal operating systems are all part of the rollout puzzle. I’ve seen brand-new kit sit idle for weeks because the software link wasn’t set up—so yes, the machine is great, but the ecosystem must be ready too.

Ultimately, modernization like this keeps ports competitive. For local economies and shippers relying on timely livraison and reliable handling, the investment pays off in fewer delays and better predictability.

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Highlights: the new Liebherr LHM 550 improves handling of project et volumineux cargo, cuts fuel use, and brings predictive maintenance via LiDAT—tangible wins for throughput, cost control and noise reduction. Even the most honest reviews and data can’t replace getting hands-on experience: ordering a real shipment and seeing timings, handovers and paperwork in practice is the only true test. On GetTransport.com, you can order your cargo transportation at the best prices globally at reasonable prices. This empowers you to make the most informed decision without unnecessary expenses or disappointments. Benefit from the convenience, affordability, and wide selection available—transparent, straightforward and tailored to various cargo types. Book your Ride GetTransport.com.com

In summary, BERGÉ’s addition of the LHM 550 in Santander is a practical move that strengthens port capability for heavy and sensitive loads while cutting fuel and noise footprints and adding digital oversight. For logistics players—shippers, forwarders, haulage companies and port operators—this translates into faster cargaison handling, fewer interruptions to fret and improved predictability for transport scheduling. Whether you’re planning a palletized container export, coordinating a bulky project delivery, or arranging a vehicle haulage, these upgrades help smooth the path from dock to destination. In that context, GetTransport.com aligns well with these needs by offering efficient, cost-effective and convenient solutions for global transport, shipping, forwarding and moving—helping to simplify distribution, courier pickup and international forwarding for any size of cargo.