The new 440m long 60m wide mega drydock R.C.M. Costruzioni is building at the Genoa Sestri Ponente shipyard in Italy is using a trio of Liebherr crawler cranes for the construction of slurry walls and steel reinforcement. The project also marks the first reference for its new LSC 8-20 cutter.

In what the OEM describes as a "challenging project", the drydock – designed to accommodate the building and repair of cruiseships of 150,000gt – is one of the most important maritime infrastructure projects in Italy.

Primary contractor R.C.M. Costruzioni is using a HS 8100.1 with a hydraulic grab and pair of HS 8130.1 machines equipped with a grab and a high-torque  slurry wall cutter to build foundations that differ in width and depth. All foundations in the harbour area are of reinforced concrete, with a lot of steel.

R.C.M. Costruzioni is working down to a depth of 10m with the Liebherr LSC 8-20 cutter. The new model is being used for the first time in Genoa after being presented to the market at the 34th Bauma trade fair.

Two duty cycle crawler cranes are equipped with slurry wall grabs for further excavation work: the HS 8100.1 with the hydraulic HSG 5-18 and the HS 8130.1 with a mechanical version.

This involves digging down to 34m into the stable clay layer of the ground to ensure that the slurry walls are securely embedded.

With a high weight and low centre of gravity, the cutter and the hydraulic grab are modularly designed and can be adapted to suit jobsite requirements.

The machines were selected based on their ease of operation, as all three models  are controlled via the same cabin concept with the same control levers and monitors. This means it is easy to change between the machines and to work productively.

"The decisive factors for choosing the machines were high performance, reliability and comprehensive maintenance service, as well as the technical advice provided by Liebherr. This contributes significantly to the successful and timely realisation of the construction work on the quay," said site manager Leoncio Fortunato.  "We have been relying on Liebherr for many years."

Cutting machine operator Manuel Dazzi furthered:  "The slurry wall cutter is extremely powerful and reliable. It has a high cutting force and enables an even and efficient excavation without excessive loads."

The new drydock is part of a major programme to expand the Sestri Ponente shipyard. Other works include the extension of an outfitting pier, the addition of a high-load capacity yard and a range of complementary and public utility services.

R.C.M. Costruzioni started the work in 2023 and will finish the project later this year.