German crane operator Schwarze ASC GmbH is upgrading its fleet with a new eco-friendly machine from Liebherr — the LTM 1150-5.3. But it’s not just about raw lifting power.
This 150-tonne mobile crane runs entirely on HVO 100, a low-emission fuel made from hydrotreated vegetable oil, and marks a bold step in the company’s wider push for sustainability.
The Liebherr LTM 1150-5.3 sits in the 130–220 tonne capacity range, plugging a performance gap below Schwarze’s 220-tonne model. More importantly, it does so while slashing CO₂ emissions. HVO fuel can cut emissions by up to 90% compared to conventional diesel — all without needing to modify existing machinery.
According to Managing Director Nina Schwarze, the crane’s strong performance and sustainable fuel compatibility were both major selling points. “We’ve had great results with the LTM 1130-5.1,” she said. “This model fits perfectly and helps us cover our mid-range needs more efficiently and in a more environmentally friendly way.”
The crane is part of a broader green strategy at Schwarze, branded under the motto “Schwarze goes green.” Since March 2025, the company has fully switched its operations to HVO fuel — a move expected to save around 850 tonnes of CO₂ this year alone. That’s roughly the amount 68,000 trees would absorb in a year.
For Schwarze, the shift to HVO isn’t just symbolic. It’s a practical, immediate solution that reduces the environmental impact of heavy machinery without waiting for new, often unavailable technologies. “HVO lets us run existing combustion engines nearly CO₂-neutrally right away,” said Nina Schwarze. “It’s a smarter short-term choice for the environment.”
Liebherr has been ahead of the curve when it comes to sustainable fuel. Since 2021, all new mobile and crawler cranes from its Ehingen plant have been filled with pure HVO fuel from the start — including for test runs and delivery. The manufacturer has ensured full compatibility with HVO across its crane lineup, helping operators like Schwarze make the switch more easily.
The company’s green credentials extend beyond fuel. Schwarze ASC also runs a photovoltaic power system, collects rainwater, operates an electrified vehicle fleet, and even manages an on-site bee-keeping project. The move to HVO adds another layer to this growing list of sustainability efforts.