Ports of Indiana-Burns Harbor has been awarded $11.2 million through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration (MARAD) Port Infrastructure Development Program (PIDP) to modernize its cargo handling, including the specialized equipment needed to support future international container service. The grant is part of a $498 million investment announced today by U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy to modernize 35 port projects across 19 states and strengthen America’s supply chains.

“Indiana is the Crossroads of America, and our ports are a big part of what makes that true,” said Governor Mike Braun. “This investment helps Burns Harbor move more goods faster and gives Hoosier farmers and manufacturers a more direct path to customers around the world.”

“This grant is a smart investment in Indiana’s port infrastructure,” said Ports of Indiana Chief Financial Officer Erica Jackson. “Paired with our own funding, it puts existing docks and terminal space to work and creates new revenue to support the port long term. We are grateful to our congressional partners, Secretary Duffy and MARAD for their partnership.” 

The Burns Harbor Container Handling Modernization Project will fund a mobile harbor crane, bulk-handling attachments, reach stackers, a top handler, off-road yard trucks, and more. The equipment will also strengthen the port’s existing operations. The mobile harbor crane can switch between bulk grabs, breakbulk lifting gear, and container spreaders allowing Burns Harbor to handle more steel, bulk materials, construction materials and project cargo alongside future container traffic when market demand arises. The $14 million project includes a $2.8 million match from Ports of Indiana. 

“Indiana’s location along the Great Lakes gives our state a unique advantage in moving goods and supporting American commerce,” said U.S. Senator Todd Young. “Securing the federal investment needed to expand Burns Harbor’s shipping capabilities, create new opportunities for Indiana businesses, and strengthen our state’s role in domestic and international trade has been a priority of mine for years. I thank Secretary Duffy for his partnership in supporting this important project.” 

Supporting Quotes: 

“Burns Harbor is the beating heart of Indiana’s economy,” said U.S. Senator Jim Banks. “This is a major grant to support the port’s Container Handling project and modernize its operations. I appreciate Secretary Duffy and the Department of Transportation recognizing the value of this project to Indiana.” 

“Congratulations to Ports of Indiana-Burns Harbor on securing this critical federal funding to further enhance economic development and job-creation in Northwest Indiana,” said Congressman Frank Mrvan. “Let us build on these successful initiatives with all local, state, and federal officials to continue to support our region’s world-class manufacturing workforce and capabilities.”

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Strengthening regional support, expanding local capabilities, and bringing E-Crane closer to its customers.

E-Crane Indonesia has officially opened its expanded facilities in Balikpapan, Indonesia, marking an important milestone in the company’s continued growth and commitment to the region.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony was officiated by E-Crane CEO Lieven Bauwens, alongside H.E. David Jordens, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Belgium to Indonesia, Timor-Leste and ASEAN, and Dato’ Lim Chai Hock, COO & Director of Bayan Resources. The event was hosted by Bas Tolhuizen, Managing Director of E-Crane Asia, and attended by customers, business partners and distinguished guests.

Following the ceremony, guests toured the expanded facilities and enjoyed a specially created mocktail, the Borneo Elixirs, inspired by the region’s distinctive character.

The celebrations continued with a sunset reception attended by Dato’ Dr. Low Tuck Kwong, President Director of Bayan Resources. The evening brought together customers, partners and industry representatives for an opportunity to strengthen relationships and explore future collaborations. Traditional Dayak dance and music showcased the cultural heritage of East Kalimantan, complemented by a culinary experience celebrating Belgian and Indonesian flavours, curated by Chef Nic Vanderbeeken.

Expanding Local Capabilities to Better Serve Customers

The expanded Balikpapan facilities represent more than a new chapter for E-Crane Indonesia. They reinforce the company’s commitment to local expertise, responsive customer support and long-term partnerships.

With additional office space and significantly greater capacity for workshop operations and spare parts inventory, the facility will strengthen E-Crane’s ability to support customers across the region. The local team continues to provide essential services, including project management, technical service and spare parts support, helping customers maintain reliable and efficient operations.

As E-Crane continues to grow its presence in Indonesia and across the region, the expansion reflects its ongoing commitment to investing in local capabilities and staying close to the customers it serves.

E-Crane extends its sincere thanks to all customers, partners and distinguished guests who joined the celebrations, as well as the local team whose dedication made this milestone possible.

Terima kasih! Thank you for being part of this important journey.

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A common conveyor efficiency issue is positioning belt cleaners in the optimal locations.  Structural design, spatial limitations, and safe access can be barriers to effective belt cleaning.  This article will discuss primary, secondary, and tertiary belt cleaner placement. [Fig. 1]

Figure 1 – The SQC2S™ Orion Secondary Cleaner is designed to dislodge adhered fines that create dust on the belt return.

CEMA Recommendations on Placement and Positioning

Primary cleaner placement is specified by the head pulley diameter and where the material leaves the belt. The Conveyor Equipment Manufacturers Association (CEMA) defines the secondary position as the space between the head pulley and the snub pulley on the return run of the belt. [Fig.2]  Unfortunately, structural designs often result in a very short section of belt surface between the head pulley and the snub pulley, which is the ideal location for many secondary cleaner designs.  This limited distance leaves little room for belt cleaners in the secondary position.

Additionally, designers often place work platforms based on major components, overlooking access for belt cleaner inspection or maintenance.  Belt cleaners typically require more attention than major components to ensure system efficiency because the blades are wear components that must be maintained at optimal cleaning pressures.

Figure 2 – Proper placement depends on several factors,with the main being the pulley diameter.

Design And Installation Considerations

   There are many simple options designers should consider:

1. Is the drive pulley wrap angle really needed or are you just applying it from habit?

A common default wrap is 210 degrees, created by the position of the snub pulley.  The gap between the head pulley and snub pulley is an ideal location for a secondary cleaner, but the combination of pulley diameters and wrap angle may make mounting a secondary cleaner difficult and maintenance nearly impossible.  We recommend utilizing an updated engineering design program that uses either the DIN or CEMA methods for calculating accurate tension values.[Fig.3]

Figure 3 – The innovative design of the Cleanscrape® cleaner hugs the pulley’s diameter, using the curvature to its advantage.

1. Consider using a larger diameter head pulley.

Choosing a head pulley based on the minimum diameter may seem like it saves money, however, the US Mining Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) reports that up to 85% of maintenance problems are due to fugitive materials, which increase costs for cleanup, labor, and equipment replacement.  A larger head pulley can allow the installation of two cleaners in the primary position and enough snub pulley space for one or two cleaners in the secondary position, significantly reducing the amount of fugitive material.

2. Prioritize ergonomic access to the belt cleaners.

Maintenance personnel can spend up to a third of their time simply accessing equipment. Designing access to seldom-inspected or -maintained components based on minimum walkway codes increases costs. Consider structures and work platforms that facilitate belt cleaner inspection and maintenance.[Fig.4]

Figure 4 – Safe & ergonomic access for maintenance is essential for retaining efficient production and consistent uptime.

1. Consider using motorized drive pulleys.

Motorized pulleys offer energy advantages and weight savings and open up space for belt cleaner installation and maintenance.  Since all rotating components (including the main bearings) are inside the pulley, the external stub shafts need minimal space to mount to the structure.

2. Consider professionally trained installation.

Belt cleaners must be mounted accurately, typically within a few millimeters, to operate optimally and reduce the risk of belt damage. Partnering with the belt cleaner supplier ensures proper installation with minimal adjustments and helps the new chute maintain a clean, professional appearance.

Conclusion

A belt cleaner system should be properly specified, designed, and installed to gain the direct and indirect long-term cost benefits of reduced fugitive material, but compliance is also an issue.  Safe access with adequate space for installation, maintenance, and inspection is critical to supporting longer system life and a lower cost of operation.

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In the first nine months of 2026, Port of Antwerp-Bruges handled 200.9 million tonnes of goods, 0.8% less than in the same period last year. After a first half of the year marked by consecutive operational disruptions, container throughput recovered strongly: the third quarter was the best since late 2020. At the same time, geopolitical tensions, trade barriers, and the weak European manufacturing industry continue to weigh on various cargo flows.

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After more than 25 years, Vladimír Doboš handed over the management of the Prague representative office to Petr Kryštof in front of over 180 guests at the 36th Port Evening Reception.

Prague/Hamburg, 12 October 2026. For the first time, Port of Hamburg Marketing (HHM) organised a B2B matchmaking event to precede the Port Evening Reception in Prague. The new format, which brought companies together for informal talks, was very well received. On the evening of 8 October 2026, HHM celebrated a generational handover at the 36th Hamburg Port Evening Reception: Over 180 guests from the logistics, industrial, retail and political sectors gathered at the Kavárna Obecní dům to bid farewell to Vladimír Doboš after more than a quarter of a century of service at the HHM representative office in Prague and to welcome his successor, Petr Kryštof. Among the speakers that evening was the German Ambassador to the Czech Republic, Dr Peter Reuss.

A quarter of a century for the Port of Hamburg

Vladimír Doboš joined HHM on 1 January 2001 and has since represented the interests of the Port of Hamburg in the Czech Republic and Slovakia. Prior to this, the logistics expert had worked for various Czech freight forwarders since graduating from university in 1982. Over the decades, he has built up and maintained contacts with shippers, freight forwarders, trade associations and political decisionmakers. In doing so, he has firmly established the Port of Hamburg in the market as the most important maritime hub for Czech and Slovak foreign trade.

“Despite all the geopolitical and domestic political turbulence and many unforeseen situations, it is possible to spend your entire working life successfully in the logistics sector and at the Port of Hamburg, enjoying a career full of variety and fulfilment,” says Vladimír Doboš.

“Vlada has successfully expanded and deepened relations between the Port of Hamburg and the Czech market over the past 25 years. We sincerely thank him for his great commitment and are delighted that we have found a successor in Petr, who will continue this work with enthusiasm and fresh ideas,” says Hendrik Meyn, Chief Executive Officer HHM.

Handover planned well in advance

Petr Kryštof took up his position at HHM on 1 November 2025. Over the following months, Vladimír Doboš was able to smoothly hand over his expertise and day-to-day operations to him. On 31 March 2026, Kryštof took full charge of the representative office. Doboš will continue to support the Prague team in an advisory capacity until the end of October 2026.

Before joining HHM, Petr Kryštof worked at the World Bank in Washington, D.C. As a consultant for mariTEAM within the Global Transport Knowledge and Expertise unit, he focused on the global decarbonisation of maritime transport. Now he represents the Port of Hamburg in the Czech Republic and Slovakia. He is developing partnerships and new business opportunities with companies in the logistics, industrial and retail sectors, and is responsible for compiling and analysing official market statistics.

“I am delighted to be building on the strong foundations laid by Vlada. I see great potential for cooperation between Hamburg and our partners in the Czech Republic and Slovakia, particularly when it comes to sustainable transport chains.”

Closely linked for centuries

Hamburg has been one of the Czech Republic’s most important trading partners for centuries and is the most significant transhipment port for Czech and Slovak foreign trade. In 2025, around 550,000 TEU were handled in hinterland transport with the Czech Republic and Slovakia, 95 per cent of which was by rail. Over 130 direct container trains run weekly between the Port of Hamburg and hubs in both countries.

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Hitachi Construction Machinery Europe N.V. (HCME), currently transitioning to the LANDCROS brand, today announced a strategic partnership with Akkodis, part of the Adecco Group, to accelerate the development and delivery of Advanced Integrated Solutions through its European Customisation Centre (ECC) in Amsterdam.

The partnership will expand LANDCROS Europe’s capability to design and deliver advanced smart attachments, ICT, and other technology tailored to the diverse needs of customers across Europe, and to do it faster.

It builds on a customer-focused strategy that has taken shape over the past two years: European operators are among the most advanced and demanding in the industry, running increasingly sophisticated fleets and expecting continuous innovation from their equipment manufacturers. For LANDCROS, meeting that expectation means moving beyond a single global machine specification and building the in-house engineering expertise to develop and integrate new technology as fast as the market demands.

“This initiative is a key enabler, and a clear example of the Open Source Solutions approach we’re adopting across LANDCROS,” said Francesco Quaranta, HCME President & CEO. “Akkodis’s unique skills give us the engineering capability to meet that strategic purpose, and to accelerate it.”

The ECC is LANDCROS’ dedicated facility for delivering customer-specific machine solutions across Europe. By combining engineering expertise, application and industry knowledge, and advanced technology integration, it enables HCME to respond quickly to evolving customer requirements with tailored solutions that maximize productivity and deliver value from day one. LANDCROS continues to collaborate with leading technology partners across the industry, including Rototilt, Engcon, Leica Geosystems and Trimble, with many more to come.

“Akkodis is a genuine growth partner for us, not a name behind the scenes,” Quaranta added. “The European Customisation Centre’s mission is to upgrade our reliable machines into advanced tools, ready to work.”

“This partnership shows how we adapt as HCME’s engineering needs evolve,” said Robert van der Eijk, CEO, Akkodis Benelux. “As the team grows, so does the scope of our support. We are moving from an on-site team to a dedicated engineering center and expanding beyond mechanical engineering to also cover software, systems and electrical engineering. This allows us to support LANDCROS in a more integrated way.”

The partnership reflects the LANDCROS promise: “Solutions beyond machinery.” For dealers and customers, it means faster access to tailored, ready-to-work machines, backed by a specialized engineering team and an OEM for which reliability is what they do.

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We are excited to announce the launch of our brand-new E-Crane website!

With a fresh design, improved navigation and a stronger focus on user experience, our new website makes it easier than ever to discover E-Crane, explore our solutions and find the information you need.

The new platform features updated case studies showcasing our projects around the world, more detailed information on E-Crane applications, an improved careers section and a brand-new FAQ section to help visitors quickly find answers to their questions.

Behind the scenes, we’ve also strengthened our digital foundations with improved Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and Generative Engine Optimization (GEO), making our content more accessible and easier to discover through both traditional search engines and AI-powered search platforms.

Coming soon: more languages, more possibilities!

To make our website even more accessible to customers and partners worldwide, we will soon be introducing German, Portuguese and Spanish versions, with additional languages potentially following in the future. This will allow even more visitors to explore our technology, solutions and expertise in their own language.

More than just a new look, our website is an important step forward in how we connect with customers, partners and future colleagues worldwide. It brings together our technology, expertise and real-world experience in one modern, accessible digital platform.

NEW LOOK. MORE CONTENT. BETTER EXPERIENCE.

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• The new rail-mounted Liebherr LPS 550 with electric drive combines a 48-metre boom with high-capacity bulk handling performance, delivering the reach and precision required for vessel operations at the Port of Casablanca.
• Marsa Maroc, Morocco’s leading terminal operator, continues to strengthen cargo handling capacity across key maritime gateways while advancing its Marsa 2030 development programme.
• As the first Liebherr LPS portal slewing crane to be commissioned in Africa, the project represents a milestone for both companies, reinforcing bulk handling infrastructure at Morocco’s largest port.

Created during Morocco’s port-sector reform in 2006, Marsa Maroc has grown into the country’s leading terminal operator. The selection of the Liebherr LPS 550 for Casablanca reflects Marsa Maroc’s continued investment in specialised cargo handling equipment while further expanding its relationship with Liebherr across multiple terminal operations.

Rostock (Germany), September 2026 – Africa’s first Liebherr portal slewing crane is set to enter service at the Port of Casablanca. Marsa Maroc has selected an LPS 550 for bulk cargo operations, expanding its handling portfolio at one of North Africa’s busiest maritime gateways. The crane provides the flexibility to serve a broad range of vessel classes. Its rail-mounted portal design delivers substantial lifting capability while preserving valuable space along the quay. Advanced drive systems enable accurate crane movements and consistent handling performance throughout intensive operating cycles.

The installation has been configured around the operational requirements of the Port of Casablanca, one of Morocco’s most strategically significant commercial gateways, where berth productivity and vessel turnaround remain critical measures of success. Covering more than 450 hectares, with over 8 kilometres of quays and capacity for up to 40 vessels at the same time, the Port of Casablanca depends on equipment capable of maintaining reliable cargo flow across busy terminal operations.

Supporting Morocco’s expanding port landscape

The latest project builds on an established relationship between Marsa Maroc and Liebherr. Managing 35 terminals across 21 ports, and handling approximately 67 million tonnes of cargo annually, Marsa Maroc continues to invest in equipment that matches the scale and diversity of Morocco’s maritime trade. Following the delivery of three Liebherr LHM 550 mobile harbour cranes in 2024, the addition of the LPS 550 introduces a complementary handling solution tailored to bulk cargo operations.

As the economic centre of Morocco, Casablanca handles a wide range of cargoes, including containers, steel products, cereals, animal feed, minerals and vehicles. Across its Casablanca operations, Marsa Maroc manages more than 19 million tonnes of cargo and nearly 1,100,000 TEU in 2025, placing a premium on equipment that can respond efficiently to changing cargo profiles and vessel requirements.

A representative of Marsa Maroc commented: ‘Our cooperation with Liebherr has consistently demonstrated the value of reliable equipment, responsive support and a shared understanding of our operational requirements. The introduction of the first LPS crane in Africa represents an important step in our development and supports our objectives for continued growth.’

Marsa Maroc’s investment programme extends beyond Casablanca, with additional Liebherr cranes scheduled for delivery to terminals in Nador and Tangier. Together, these projects reflect the operator’s commitment to expanding handling capacity across its network while responding to increasing cargo volumes and a broader mix of traded commodities.

Engineering capability aligned with long-term growth

Through Liebherr Marocco, customers benefit from direct access to local service expertise and technical support throughout the operational life of their equipment. The regional organisation complements Liebherr’s global maritime network and provides on-the-ground support tailored to local operating requirements.

‘Marsa Maroc already operates Liebherr cranes at several locations, and the addition of an LPS 550 further broadens that relationship,’ said Andreas Ritschel, General Manager Sales Mobile Harbour Cranes at Liebherr-Rostock GmbH. ‘For us, this project is particularly noteworthy because it introduces a new Liebherr crane type into an established fleet, demonstrating how different products from our maritime portfolio can be matched to specific terminal requirements.’

As Morocco’s leading port operator and a company pursuing continued expansion both domestically and internationally, Marsa Maroc continues to invest in equipment aligned with the requirements of its diverse cargo portfolio. The deployment of the LPS 550 in Casablanca adds a dedicated bulk handling solution to one of Morocco’s busiest port environments while further expanding the company’s use of Liebherr maritime technology.

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