Liebherr Cranes Power Rostock’s ULMICUM Project with Precision and Reliability
On Rostock’s Ulmenstraße campus, a striking new complex is steadily rising: the ULMICUM, which will house a library, seminar centre, administrative offices, and institute facilities for the University of Rostock. While the architecture blends the historic surroundings with a forward-looking design, it is the technology on site that ensures the vision turns into reality. Two Liebherr 340 EC-B Flat-Top tower cranes, provided by Riedel Bau AG, are at the heart of the project.
Construction of the ULMICUM began in June 2024, with completion of the structural works scheduled for 2026. These cranes, however, will remain on site until at least 2027 to support interior and façade works, demonstrating their essential role in ensuring efficient progress.
Why Liebherr Cranes Were Chosen
The decision to rely on Liebherr cranes for this high-profile project was not taken lightly. Riedel Bau AG required equipment capable of handling heavy loads, offering pinpoint precision, and maintaining reliability in restricted and complex conditions. Liebherr’s 340 EC-B Flat-Top models fit the bill perfectly.
The EC-B series is widely recognised for its quick assembly, accessible maintenance, and impressive lifting performance at maximum reach. Each crane has been configured with specific hook heights and jib lengths tailored to the ULMICUM site. This customisation guarantees an efficient flow of materials, whether it involves unloading trucks, lifting formwork, or positioning prefabricated concrete sections with millimetre accuracy.
Overcoming Complex Site Challenges
Riedel Bau AG faced unique challenges in Rostock. The ULMICUM project is set within a historic campus, with listed buildings nearby and a railway line close to the site. These conditions required cranes with advanced control systems and robust safety features.
Liebherr’s working range limitation system has been crucial. By restricting slewing ranges, the system prevents accidental encroachment on sensitive areas, ensuring heritage structures and rail operations remain protected. This is particularly important given the stringent requirements for exposed concrete surfaces, where precision is non-negotiable.
Riedel Bau AG’s trust in Liebherr is also reinforced by their long-standing partnership with Beutlhauser, a Liebherr service partner with multiple regional branches. The contractor values responsive support, quick troubleshooting, and expert guidance in complex assembly and dismantling processes. “We expect short response times, competent and swift troubleshooting when required, and expert advice in challenging assembly and dismantling situations,” the company stated. Beutlhauser’s presence ensures these expectations are consistently met.
Cranes Designed for Productivity
The 340 EC-B Flat-Top crane is a flagship model in Liebherr’s tower crane portfolio, designed to boost site efficiency. Its flat-top design makes it easier to operate multiple cranes in close proximity without interference, a crucial advantage for urban construction sites. With a lifting capacity that balances reach and strength, it enables operators to manage large prefabricated elements and high-volume material handling seamlessly.
The cranes’ rapid assembly and disassembly also contribute to project efficiency. Given the tight scheduling on the ULMICUM site, minimising downtime during set-up was essential. These cranes not only met but exceeded the logistical demands, enabling Riedel Bau AG to stay on course.
Supporting a Landmark for Education
The ULMICUM is more than just another building project. For the University of Rostock, it represents a major step in modernising its facilities and expanding its academic footprint. By integrating a library, seminar spaces, administration, and research facilities, the complex will serve as a central hub for students and staff for decades to come.
The use of advanced construction technologies such as Liebherr cranes highlights the importance of efficiency and safety in shaping modern educational infrastructure. Projects of this scale require machinery that combines innovation with reliability, and Liebherr has once again proven its reputation as a trusted partner in large-scale construction.
Successful Project Delivery
As the ULMICUM continues to take shape, the cranes will remain steadfast until mid-2027, ensuring that every phase of the build, from structural work to façade installation, benefits from precision and reliability. Riedel Bau AG’s commitment to quality, bolstered by Liebherr’s technology and Beutlhauser’s service expertise, is setting the stage for a successful project delivery.
The collaboration serves as a testament to how cutting-edge construction equipment, combined with experienced contractors and responsive service partners, can bring ambitious projects to life on time and to exacting standards.
Building Strong Foundations for the Future
The ULMICUM will soon stand as a symbol of innovation and education in Rostock, and behind its success are two Liebherr cranes working tirelessly to keep the project on track.
With proven performance, responsive service, and the ability to meet complex site demands, Liebherr has once again shown why its cranes are the choice for landmark projects across Europe.
