Liebherr marks a significant milestone with the introduction of an electric variant to its Board Offshore Cranes (BOS) series, commemorating 50 years of excellence. Since its inception in 1975, the BOS series has been trusted by operators globally for its robust design and adaptability in marine environments. The latest addition reinforces Liebherr’s commitment to evolving offshore requirements.
The journey began with the first BOS crane, the B10 / 17 EX, installed on the Floating Production, Storage, and Offloading Unit Princess Aweni. Over the decades, the series has seen continuous development, notably in the Litronic control system, which has advanced from early card-based setups to the latest high-performance configurations. Today, Liebherr celebrates this legacy, combining robust design with decades of operational experience.
The BOS series encompasses a diverse range of models, from the compact BOS 2600 to the heavy-lift BOS 45000. This variety allows operators to choose the ideal crane for specific needs, whether routine supply operations or complex installations. Signature design elements include the A-frame and lattice boom structure, which facilitate large outreaches and precise load handling. The A-frame supports smooth boom luffing, integrating essential service features, while boom walkways improve accessibility for inspections and maintenance.
At the upper end, the BOS 35000 and BOS 45000 cater to demanding offshore applications. With lifting capacities of up to 1,200 tonnes, these cranes are engineered for offshore wind-farm installations and large-scale infrastructure transport. The BOS 45000 extends these capabilities, offering up to 1,400 tonnes of lifting power and an outreach exceeding 100 metres. ‘The BOS cranes are the ideal solution for servicing offshore wind farms, especially when long boom lengths are required,’ states Robert Pitschmann, Global Application Manager Heavy Lift Offshore and Ship Cranes.
Since its launch, the BOS series has become integral to Liebherr’s offshore crane portfolio. Initially produced in Nenzing, Austria, production moved to Rostock, Germany, in 2005, reinforcing the site’s status as a key centre for maritime crane technology. To date, 502 BOS cranes have been deployed worldwide, with significant markets in the UK, Brazil, and Norway.
While the industry increasingly favours low-maintenance solutions like the Ram luffing crane series, the BOS crane remains crucial for applications requiring long boom lengths. Its unique lattice boom design reduces vertical movement, ensuring stable operations. A major design shift in 2005 separated the A-frame from the machinery house, enhancing serviceability and laying the groundwork for future technological integration.
Since 2005, the BOS series has featured Liebherr’s Litronic crane control system, providing precise offshore operation. Litronic enables real-time diagnostics and optimised lifting performance, with a modular architecture allowing for tailored functionality. ‘The BOS series has proven itself over decades of offshore use,’ explains Stefan Schneider, Global Application Manager for General Purpose Offshore Cranes.
Liebherr’s offshore portfolio also includes the TCC 14000, a flexible crane architecture on a mobile undercarriage, combining high lifting capacity with mobility. As the offshore industry evolves, Liebherr focuses on electrification and continues to deliver reliable, forward-looking crane solutions, building on 50 years of experience and innovation.
