When we talk about the future of heavy machinery, we usually picture bigger, stronger, and more efficient. But recently, something a bit quieter—and much greener—rolled onto the scene in Argentina.
Transportes Crexell, a logistics and crane services company with nearly three decades of experience in the oil and gas sector, has just added five new Liebherr cranes to its fleet. Among them is a game-changer: the LTC 1050-3.1E, Argentina’s first electric crane operating in the oil and gas industry.
This isn’t just about adding a new model to the yard. It marks a significant step toward sustainability in a sector that’s often slow to adapt to new technologies.
Moving Toward a Low-Emission Future
The LTC 1050-3.1E is a 50-tonne compact crane equipped with both a conventional engine and an electric motor. This hybrid system gives operators the flexibility to switch to fully electric operation when conditions allow. For a company like Crexell—whose projects often take place in sensitive environments and urban areas—that’s a strategic advantage.
“We want to offer our customers a low-emission CO2-friendly alternative for their operations,” said Eugenio Diaz, Commercial Director at Transportes Crexell. “We opted for the electric version because it allows hybrid operation, is compact, and has ideal lifting capacities for the jobs we’re planning.”
It’s a practical choice that aligns with the industry’s broader move toward reducing carbon footprints, especially as infrastructure for electric machines becomes more accessible.
Designed for Real-World Use
While the oil and gas sector hasn’t yet widely adopted electric equipment, Crexell is positioning itself to lead that transition. With electric infrastructure still limited on remote worksites, the LTC 1050-3.1E will primarily be used in urban settings and client depots where electric power is more readily available.
The crane’s compact design and three-axle maneuverability make it especially suited for tight construction zones. It’s not just about being environmentally conscious—it’s about being ready for the job at hand, without compromising performance.
A Trusted Partnership, Two Decades Strong
Crexell’s decision to go electric didn’t come out of nowhere. The company has a long-standing relationship with Liebherr, having used their cranes for nearly 20 years. Out of their current fleet of 99 cranes, 41 are Liebherr machines. And with this latest order—two LTR 1220s, one LTR 1150, one LTM 1250-5.1, and the LTC 1050-3.1E—that relationship only deepens.
“Liebherr has always been a cornerstone of our portfolio,” said Diaz. “Their equipment allows us to deliver reliable, high-quality service. But more than that, we value the partnership and trust that has grown over the years.”
Serving Oil, Gas—and Wind
Crexell’s core business has traditionally been in oil and gas, including the transport of drilling rigs and crane services for that sector. But in recent years, they’ve also taken on more work in wind energy, a field where sustainability and clean technology are even more crucial.
The introduction of electric cranes positions them to better serve both sectors, especially as expectations for low-impact operations continue to rise.
Looking Ahead
This isn’t just a first for Crexell—it’s a first for the entire country. The LTC 1050-3.1E represents a shift in thinking about what’s possible in heavy lifting, particularly in industries that have been slower to adopt cleaner technologies.
It’s a step forward. And as other companies watch how this hybrid-electric model performs in real-world scenarios, it could very well spark a wider change across South America’s construction and energy sectors.
Sometimes innovation doesn’t arrive with a bang. Sometimes, it rolls in quietly—powered by electricity, backed by experience, and ready to lift.
