The Port of Felixstowe has received its first two remote control ship-to-shore gantry cranes from ZPMC to help it handle multiple mega-vessels simultaneously. The new cranes are capable of working vessels with containers stowed 11-high and 24-wide on deck. Instead of being in a cab 50 metres above the quay, the drivers will be located in a nearby operations centre. Clemence Cheng, CEO of the Port of Felixstowe and executive director of Hutchison Ports, said: “These new cranes are the latest acquisition in our ongoing investment programme to provide the best equipment, infrastructure and systems for our customers. They will further enhance our capability to work multiple mega-vessels simultaneously.
“Remote control quay cranes have been pioneered at other Hutchison Ports terminals. Their introduction at Felixstowe will improve the working conditions of the drivers, enhance safety and benefit communications within operational teams.” The cranes were delivered to Felixstowe, the UK’s largest container port, on the Zhen Hua 23 from Shanghai. In addition to the new cranes, the port is creating an additional 18,000 teu of container storage capacity, upgrading its terminal operating system, raising the height of 10 ship-to-shore cranes on Trinity Terminal and has eight additional yard cranes on order for delivery in early 2019.
Source: PortStrategy