- A Liebherr board offshore crane (BOS) 35000 offshore crane installed on a 16-metre pedestal underwent an extensive inspection and overhaul to ensure long-term operational reliability in demanding offshore conditions
- The crane is operated by ZITON A/S, an offshore wind O&M specialist with a fleet of jack-up vessels servicing numerous wind farms across Northern Europe
- The project included coordinated planning across multiple Liebherr hubs and was executed within a remarkably tight ten-day window at the Port of Esbjerg, Denmark
The service scope combined structural assessments, refurbishment activities, and predictive exchange measures to secure the crane’s long-term readiness. Close planning with the customer ensured all critical steps were aligned with fleet scheduling and operational framework. The seamless integration of new and exchange components enabled cost-efficient and environmentally considerate execution.
Credit: Liebherr
The Liebherr BOS 35000 installed on ZITON’s jackup vessel WIND ENTERPRISE.
During a narrow ten-day service window in Esbjerg, Denmark, a multiunit Liebherr team completed a comprehensive refurbishment and inspection on a BOS 35000 offshore crane aboard the jack-up vessel WIND ENTERPRISE. The work package included the exchange of the complete power pack and different hydraulic elements, the replacement of filters and hoses and the exchange of pulleys as part of the crane’s predictive maintenance programme. The crane’s installation on a 16-metre pedestal required precise planning and strict safety coordination throughout. In parallel, a LOLER inspection ensured continued compliance for future offshore campaigns in UK waters, while functional testing verified full operational readiness. The project underscores the BOS series’ proven durability in harsh marine conditions.
Coordinated planning for a complex service operation
A cross-border Liebherr task force from Denmark, Germany and Norway planned the operation in close collaboration with the customer’s onshore organisation. Preparation included synchronising schedules, defining component requirements, and selecting a mix of newly manufactured and fully refurbished exchange parts to optimise cost, efficiency, and sustainability. The team also coordinated with an external specialist workshop to overhaul specific components while parallel works continued onboard. ‘This sequencing, as well as the good coordination beforehand and the excellent cooperation on site, enabled us to keep the extremely tight schedule,’ stated Ulrik Nissum, senior technical superintendent, ZITON A/S.
Execution excellence in a demanding offshore environment
All service activities were performed directly on board while the vessel was was moored in Denmarks leading offshore wind port, requiring carefully sequenced workflows and strict safety measures at height. The Liebherr team maintained an uninterrupted work pace, benefitting from strong coordination across all involved units. The successful completion of this large-scale service assignment reinforces the crane’s readiness for upcoming offshore wind maintenance projects. ‘With our global service network and our highly skilled engineers, we are able to handle challenging assignments like this in the shortest possible time. I believe that the mutual understanding of responding to customer requests at any time and to their satisfaction is what connects ZITON and Liebherr in a special way.’ said Allan-Ole Petersen, Divisional Manager, Liebherr-Danmark ApS.
With the crane now fully certified, function-tested and equipped with renewed components, it is prepared for deployment in the next offshore campaign – supporting reliable and efficient wind farm operations for years to come.