Liebherr cranes support Somalev's expansion across Africa

Moroccan heavy-lift and specialised transport company Somalev Cranes & Logistics is strengthening its operational capacity with an order for ten new Liebherr mobile cranes

The all-terrain LTM series machines offer lifting capacities between 50 and 250 tonnes, adding to the company's equipment portfolio as it pursues further growth in domestic and international markets.

The investment reflects Somalev's focus on expanding its fleet with advanced lifting technology while maintaining high safety and operational standards. The company selected Liebherr for its technical capabilities and established local presence through Liebherr Maroc S.A.R.L.

Partnership supporting long-term expansion

For Somalev, the latest acquisition forms part of a wider strategy to increase its ability to serve customers across different industries. ‘Our guiding principle is clear: we want to continuously expand our fleet to support our customers and partners with ever more innovative solutions,’ emphasises company founder and managing director Mohamed Moufid. ‘This step puts us in the big league. Africa is ready for the new generation of mobile cranes, and we are planning further investments in Liebherr machinery – for us, Liebherr is far more than just a supplier: it is a strong partner that has been supporting our growth for twelve years.’

Founded in 2014 by Moufid, Somalev has developed into a business employing approximately 400 people across four divisions: heavy-lift technology, port handling, industrial relocations and project cargo, and specialised transport. Its equipment portfolio includes mobile and crawler cranes, specialised transport vehicles and heavy-lift handling machinery. The company's largest crane is the 750-tonne LR 1750/2 crawler crane.

Liebherr equipment accounts for approximately 70% of Somalev's fleet. Explaining the company's preference for the manufacturer, Moufid said: ‘Our machines are more than just tools – they are assets. That is why they must be of the highest quality. Liebherr is a premium brand that stands for reliability and value retention.’

New cranes equipped for connected operations

The order consists of six cranes with lifting capacities of 50–60 tonnes, two LTM 1110-5.1 models rated at 110 tonnes, one LTM 1230-5.1 with a 230-tonne capacity and one LTM 1250-5.1 capable of lifting 250 tonnes.

Liebherr will prepare all ten machines to its factory specifications, with the manufacturer's warranty included. Some units will feature Somalev's corporate colours and folding jibs. Each crane will also have a telemetry modem connected to Liebherr's Performance app, enabling the company to monitor equipment across its operating locations in real time.

Alongside location information, the platform provides operational data covering fuel consumption, wind speed and the current load on the hook. This will give Somalev greater visibility of fleet performance and support more efficient equipment management.

The new cranes will serve several sectors, including renewable energy, particularly as auxiliary equipment for wind power projects, as well as port logistics, oil and gas, chemicals, industrial operations and infrastructure development.

Somalev is also looking beyond the African market, with preparations under way for projects in Southern Europe and partnerships with international lifting service providers. ‘We are also preparing projects in Southern Europe and partnerships with international lifting service providers,’ adds Moufid.

Moroccan company gains international recognition

Somalev's expansion follows its recognition at the 2025 ESTA Awards, where it became the first Moroccan and African company to reach the finalist stage. The company secured European runner-up position in the Lattice Boom Crane category at the awards ceremony in Munich.

Its operations are supported by triple ISO certification covering quality management (ISO 9001), environmental management (ISO 14001) and occupational health and safety (ISO 45001).

‘We are a 100 % Moroccan company, both in terms of capital and employees, and we hold triple certification to ISO 9001, 14001 and 45001. Our goal is clear: we want to prove that a company founded in Casablanca can compete with the very best,’ says Moufid.