Celebrating 25 Years of the Liebherr RTG

• 25 Years Strong: The Liebherr RTG marks 25 years of outstanding performance, reliability, and innovation in container handling.
• Driving Sustainability: From hybrid to fully electric models, the Liebherr RTG leads in reducing emissions and energy use.
• Tech & Automation: Advanced systems and automation keep the Liebherr RTG at the forefront of port efficiency.

Since its introduction, the Liebherr RTG has become a cornerstone of the container-handling industry, renowned for its outstanding performance, exceptional reliability, and cutting-edge innovations. Over the past quarter-century, the RTG has played a key role in transforming how ports and terminals operate, cementing its place as one of the most trusted solutions for efficient container handling worldwide.

Killarney (Ireland), February 2025: The Liebherr RTG’s success is built upon core features, enabled by the Liebherr designed electrical drive and control system. Clever design has always been central to the Liebherr RTG’s performance. Its unique eight-rope reeving system delivers exceptional anti-sway performance in both trolley and gantry travel directions, ensuring load stability while boosting productivity and reducing driver fatigue, making it a firm favourite amongst operational personnel and port management alike. The single hoist drum solution provides a more compact, energy-efficient and maintenance-friendly option with a higher power density. By integrating cutting-edge control technology and automation, and insisting on the highest quality standards, Liebherr remains a preferred choice for ports around the world.

Charlie McCarthy, Managing Director – Engineering at Liebherr Container Cranes, commented: “Sustainability and innovation have been at the core of the Liebherr RTG’s success over the past 25 years. By delivering precision engineered solutions that meet the needs of our customers, we have established a legacy of excellence. With exciting developments on the horizon, we are looking forward to continuing this journey and shaping the future of container handling.”

Driving sustainability through development

As the demand for sustainable solutions grew, Liebherr developed new technologies, launching its first dual-powered RTG, which combined a genset with a cable reeling drum. This early ERTG was a gamechanger, paving the way for fully electric RTGs. These cranes came in various configurations – cable reeling drum and conductor bar – with/without a genset and variable in size, offering ports greener solutions. Liebherr has more recently introduced true hybrid RTGs, using energy capture and storage systems, which allow for smaller diesel gensets, thus reducing the environmental impact without sacrificing productivity. Liebherr’s ongoing commitment to sustainability ensures that each new generation of RTG delivers significant reductions in emissions and energy consumption, contributing to a greener future for the port and terminal industry.

Commitment to productivity and automation

Throughout its 25-year journey, the Liebherr RTG has consistently delivered advanced productivity aids. Early developments like automatic steering, destination control and stack profiling provided operators with enhanced precision and efficiency. These tools have since evolved to meet the growing demands of the modern port, integrating seamlessly with automation and remote operation technologies. Today, Liebherr offers full and semi-automatic solutions across the RTG range.

Declan O’Sullivan, Managing Director of Sales at Liebherr Container Cranes, added: “Meeting and exceeding customer expectations has always been our priority. The Liebherr RTG’s journey to date reflects our commitment to understanding and addressing the evolving needs of our customers. As we mark the occasion of 25 years, we remain focused on delivering solutions that will continue to drive success for ports and terminals worldwide.”.

He continued, “As the Liebherr RTG turns 25, we celebrate not only its legacy, but also its future. Sustainability, innovation, along with trustworthiness and responsibility will remain the cornerstones of our success for the next 25 years and beyond.”