Somalev dismantles Casablanca STS cranes

Somalev Cranes and Logistics has successfully dismantled two ship to shore container cranes at the Port of Casablanca, completing a complex decommissioning project as part of ongoing terminal modernisation.

The Moroccan heavy lift specialist removed more than 1,400 tonnes of steel structure using two Liebherr telescopic cranes, an LTM 1400 7.1 and an LTM 1250 1. The work involved lifting heights of up to 70 metres and was carried out while port operations continued, requiring precise planning and strict safety coordination.

After more than 20 years in service, the ageing STS cranes required conservative load calculations and reinforced rigging. Somalev opted for telescopic cranes instead of lattice boom machines to ensure flexibility within the confined terminal environment and to adapt quickly to changing load cases and limited ground space.

The dismantling process followed the reverse order of the original assembly and included the removal of major components such as boom sections, machinery houses and portal structures. Several phases required synchronised lifts between the two cranes, demanding detailed planning and real time coordination.

Operating within an active terminal added further complexity, with restricted working areas and the need for constant collaboration with port authorities. The company implemented strict safety measures including project specific risk assessments, redundant rigging systems, controlled access zones and continuous monitoring of wind and crane performance.

According to Somalev, flexible execution methods allowed the team to respond to unexpected structural conditions while minimising disruption to port activity. The successful completion of the project highlights the company’s expertise in large scale industrial decommissioning and its ability to deliver complex dismantling operations safely and efficiently.