- Liebherr 520 EC-B 20 Fibre crane is playing a key role on a bridge construction project in Brest, France
- Saint-Yves Services currently operates two of the powerful 520 EC-B Liebherr fibre cranes in France
- The newest fibre rope technology delivers greater lifting capacity, lower weight, and easier handling
A Liebherr 520 EC-B 20 Fibre crane is currently supporting the construction of the new Schuman Bridge in Brest, France. Equipped with the advanced fibre rope technology, the crane impresses with its high load capacity, efficiency, and ease of use. Liebherr customer Saint-Yves Services confirms the benefits of the fibre rope in the demanding bridge construction and sets an example for forward-thinking solutions in infrastructure construction.
Biberach, Germany, 16 July 2025 – The Liebherr 520 EC-B 20 Fibre flat-top crane is playing a key role in the precise assembly of massive steel components during the construction of the new Schuman Bridge in Brest, France. As the most powerful fibre crane currently in operation on the French market, it is demonstrating its performance capabilities on one of the region’s most important infrastructure sites.
A new bridge to improve urban mobility
The new Schuman Bridge is being built parallel to the existing structure from the 1950s, which no longer meets the requirements of modern public transport. It will form part of the extension of Brest’s tram line B and will also provide a crossing for cyclists and pedestrians. The bridge spans 204 metres in length and measures 12.25 metres in width. The use of large steel elements requires a crane with both high lifting capacity and exceptional precision.
The 520 EC-B 20 Fibre stands out for its robust design, flexible tower configurations, and ease of transport. With its modular setup, innovative Litronic control system, and precise load positioning capabilities, the crane is ideally suited for large-scale projects such as the Schuman Bridge. The bridge is scheduled for completion by the end of 2025 and is expected to make a significant contribution to the urban mobility in the region.
Strong performance with fibre technology
The crane in use comes from the fleet of Liebherr customer Saint-Yves Services. The company has expressed a high level of satisfaction with the crane’s performance. Emphasis is placed on the numerous advantages of fibre rope technology compared to traditional steel ropes. „The combination of power, efficiency, and the straightforward handling of the fibre rope gives us, a considerable competitive edge,” says Alexandre Saint-Yves. The 520 EC-B 20 Fibre combines these advantages with long reach and a high load capacity, even in confined spaces. With a fleet of eleven Liebherr fibre cranes, Saint-Yves Services is demonstrating its innovative strength and sees fibre technology as a sustainable and economically efficient solution for future construction projects.
About the Project
The project is being led by Brest Métropole as the contracting body, with Brest Métropole Aménagement acting as the delegated project owner. The design and engineering team is composed of MobiBrest, SYSTRA (lead consultant), SCE Aménagement & Environnement, B3i, FERRAND-SIGAL Architectes & Associés, super8, and LA/BA architectes. Construction is being carried out by a consortium led by ETPO, a subsidiary of the ETPO Group, in partnership with Eiffage Métal.
About the Liebherr Tower Cranes Division
More than seven decades of experience have made Liebherr a recognised specialist for lifting technology on all types of construction sites. The range of Liebherr Tower Cranes encompasses an extensive selection of high-quality tower cranes that are used worldwide. This includes fast-erecting, top-slewing, luffing jib and special-purpose cranes as well as mobile construction cranes. In addition to these products, Liebherr also offers a wide range of services that complete the company’s portfolio: Tower Crane Solutions, the Tower Crane Center and Tower Crane Customer Service.
About the Liebherr Group
The Liebherr Group is a family-run technology company with a highly diversified product portfolio. The company is one of the largest manufacturers of construction equipment in the world. It also provides high-quality, user-oriented products and services in a wide range of other areas. The Liebherr Group includes over 150 companies across all continents. In 2024, it employed more than 50,000 staff and achieved combined revenues of over 14 billion euros. Liebherr was founded by Hans Liebherr in 1949 in the southern German town of Kirchdorf an der Iller. Since then, the staff have been pursuing the goal of achieving continuous technological innovation, and bringing industry-leading solutions to its customers.
Partener Principal
MATEK Build Smart