A Liebherr RL 4600 crane will soon be operating off the shore of British Columbia at a floating LNG (FLNG) facility.
Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI) selected Liebherr’s RL 4600 ram luffing offshore crane to integrate into the Cedar FLNG facility.
The FLNG is currently in South Korea where Liebherr is installing the crane. The RL 4600 delivers a maximum lifting capacity of 40 tonnes and a maximum main hoist outreach of 28 metres. Integrated into the floating LNG production unit for the Cedar LNG project in British Columbia, the crane ensures dependable functionality in offshore environments and supports efficient operations throughout the FLNG lifecycle.
By relying entirely on renewable power, the Cedar LNG is positioned to become one of the world’s first FLNG facilities with the lowest carbon footprint.
“We are proud to provide our RL 4600 for this important FLNG development and to extend our market footprint in Canada,” said Oliver Odebrecht, Sales Manager General Purpose Offshore Cranes at Liebherr in Rostock, Germany.
“The RL series has proven its strength across a wide range of applications, and the RL 4600 continues this legacy with consistent performance and the robust capability required for modern offshore operations.”
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Before the crane reaches its destination, Liebherr Korea will oversee the installation and commissioning process. Their close cooperation with the shipyard ensures a seamless integration of the RL 4600 into the floating LNG unit, supporting an efficient project schedule and a smooth transition into operation. ‘
“The RL 4600 is an impressive piece of equipment, and we value the close collaboration with SHI on this project,” said Eddie Park, Divisional Manager at Liebherr Korea. “We are proud to contribute our expertise to such a significant development and look forward to seeing the crane play a key role in Canada’s offshore operations.”
Compact design
Beyond its lifting performance, the RL 4600 features a compact and installation-friendly design. The crane’s low overall height and minimal tail swing allow shipyards and operators to integrate it efficiently, even where space is restricted. This makes the RL 4600 particularly suitable for floating units, where deck layout and accessibility are important factors.
Central to the crane’s architecture lies the slewing column, which houses the main drive system, central hydraulics and the complete control technology. This integrated design reduces the number of external components and contributes to smooth operation, simplified maintenance and enhanced durability.
The development of the RL series is rooted in continuous optimization, including feedback from global offshore customers and long-standing engineering experience.
Complementing its mechanical design, the RL 4600 is equipped with the advanced Liebherr control system, Litronic. This modular technology enables smooth, efficient and precise crane movements, even under challenging offshore conditions.
All key operating parameters, including load, radius and system behaviour, are continuously monitored and clearly visualized for the operator. Litronic acts as the direct interface between operator and machine. It automatically adjusts speeds to the load, maintains consistent movement patterns and reduces the need for manual intervention. Thanks to its modular setup, additional functions can be integrated as needed, ensuring long-term performance and operational efficiency.
Built for harsh marine environments, all components are designed to perform reliably across wide temperature ranges and resist shock, moisture and saline air. A durable multi-layer coating further protects the crane from the demanding offshore climate.
Once the RL 4600 enters service in Canadian waters, Liebherr Canada will provide on-site maintenance and technical support. With a focus on short response times, expert assistance and high spare-parts availability, the local organization ensures that operators benefit from maximum crane uptime throughout the entire lifecycle. This service approach reflects the commitment of Liebherr to support customers with reliable, tailored solutions long after the equipment has left the production facility.
