FCC

ArcelorMittal Deploys Liebherr Crane for Gijón Green Steel Plant

2025-07-10

ArcelorMittal is using Liebherr’s 1188 EC-H Fibre tower crane as part of its decarbonisation project at the Gijón steelworks in Spain. This marks the first deployment of the 1188 EC-H Fibre in Spain, underscoring ArcelorMittal’s commitment to advanced construction technology and sustainable steel production.

The crane is being used in the construction of a new electric arc furnace, a central part of ArcelorMittal’s European decarbonisation roadmap. The installation is expected to significantly reduce CO₂ emissions from steel production at the site.

Despite limited space and ongoing plant operations, the 1188 EC-H Fibre crane was assembled and commissioned with support from Gruisa, Liebherr Ibérica, and the Liebherr Tower Crane Solutions team. Its compact components, high lifting capacity, and innovative fibre rope technology were key to meeting the project’s demanding logistics.

Fibre rope boosts lifting performance and safety

The Liebherr 1188 EC-H Fibre crane offers a lifting capacity of nine tonnes at a 90-metre radius, ideal for complex industrial assembly. The crane’s fibre rope, compared to traditional steel rope, is lighter, easier to handle, offers up to four times the service life, and enhances safety during precision lifts. Its benefits are particularly evident in tight workspaces and near live operations.

Integrated Litronic control technology ensures smooth crane movements, featuring load swing damping and micro-positioning for accurate handling. The 12-inch touchscreen display allows operators to adapt settings to site-specific requirements quickly.

High-performance lifting for sustainable progress

The crane’s application highlights the importance of efficient construction logistics in delivering green industrial projects. The Gijón electric arc furnace, being built during live production, requires lifting solutions that are compact yet powerful.

Senén Fernández, Managing Director, Gruisa, said:

“The use of fibre technology allows us to handle maximum loads over longer distances. The Litronic control system also enables very precise and safe crane operation.”

He added,

“Liebherr is always one step ahead when it comes to cutting-edge technologies tailored to the needs of today’s construction sites.”

The close coordination between Gruisa, Liebherr Ibérica, and Liebherr’s Tower Crane Solutions team ensured smooth planning, assembly, and on-site support throughout the process, including the provision of crane operators.

The choice of the Liebherr 1188 EC-H Fibre reflects ArcelorMittal’s focus on sustainable innovation, as the company advances toward its climate goals with efficient, high-performance technologies.