A major disruption on the Moselle was swiftly resolved thanks to a long-standing partnership between the Mosel-Saar-Lahn Waterways and Shipping Authority (WSA) and crane rental specialist Steil. When an inland vessel damaged the Müden lock on December 8, 2024, leaving 74 ships stranded just before Christmas, Liebherr cranes played a key role in the emergency response and repair efforts.
The LTM 1200-5.1 and LTM 1650-8.1 mobile cranes were deployed to recover the damaged gate and enable an emergency lockage using a “dam beam.” Steil’s team worked tirelessly, allowing stranded vessels to continue their journey while replacement gates were refurbished in record time.
By January 24, 2025, Steil’s Liebherr LTM 1650-8.1, equipped with a 52m boom and 75 tonnes of ballast, installed two 45-tonne gate leaves at the lock. The challenging logistics, including maneuvering heavy components with precision, showcased the crane’s advanced VarioBase and VarioBallast systems, ensuring safe and efficient operation.
Thanks to this rapid intervention, the Müden lock was restored to full operation in early February, minimizing economic impact. The successful crane operation even made national news, underscoring the vital role of heavy lifting technology in maintaining critical waterways.
