Associated Terminals and Liebherr commission first all-electric transshipment cranes on the Lower Mississippi River

Associated Terminals and Liebherr Maritime Cranes have introduced the first all-electric transshipment cranes to operate on the Lower Mississippi River, following the christening of two CBG 500 E units in New Orleans.

The two cranes have been installed on Associated Terminals’ next-generation barges and are designed to support high-capacity bulk handling operations with zero local exhaust emissions. Each crane offers a maximum grab capacity of up to 90 tonnes in sheltered waters and up to 65 tonnes in open water, combined with a lattice boom providing outreach of up to 50 metres.

Electric crane technology for river logistics

The CBG 500 E cranes are fully electric and equipped with Liebherr’s LiCaTronic energy recovery system, which captures energy generated during braking and load-lowering operations to improve overall efficiency. Additional features include remote diagnostics, advanced control systems and ergonomically designed operator cabins aimed at enhancing safety and operational reliability.

The cranes are mounted on newly developed barges that incorporate hybrid-ready power systems, intelligent load management and keel cooling technology. According to the companies, these design elements are intended to reduce fuel consumption, maintenance requirements and environmental impact during long-term operation on inland waterways.

Commissioning on the Mississippi River

The christening ceremony, held on the banks of the Mississippi River, marked the formal entry of the cranes into service. Industry representatives, policymakers and business leaders attended the event, which followed several months of commissioning and testing.

“The christening of these cranes marks a defining moment for our operations,” said Zeljko Franks, Chief Operating Officer at Associated Terminals. “It represents years of planning and partnership coming to life. By introducing this technology on the Mississippi, we are combining performance with sustainability in a way that will benefit our customers, our communities, and the river for years to come.”

The first CBG 500 E crane was delivered in mid-2025 and has already entered commercial service. The second unit arrived toward the end of 2025 and was assembled ahead of the christening; it is expected to begin operations shortly, operating alongside the first crane.

Partnership and long-term support

The project reflects a long-standing collaboration between Associated Terminals and Liebherr, spanning design, engineering and commissioning phases. Liebherr said the cranes will be supported by dedicated service teams to ensure reliability and performance throughout their operational lifecycle.

“The christening reflects what can be achieved through collaboration and forward thinking,” said Gregor Hillen, Sales Manager for Port and Transshipment Solutions at Liebherr-Rostock GmbH. “We are proud to stand alongside Associated Terminals in shaping the future of river cargo handling.”