Post-Panamax cranes for Charleston

ZPMC of China built the cranes, which departed Shanghai in January for the 15,000-mile voyage. The new cranes operate solely on electric power, and replace four older diesel-electric models. They use power when lifting, but generate back into the system when lowering. Of the 21 cranes in the port’s fleet, 20 are now all-electric – which, says SCSPA, has eliminated emissions and provided an environmental benefit.

The cranes were purchased in September 2005, when the SCSPA board approved its largest ever single equipment purchase. Also included in the $64m investment were 16 RTGs, which have already gone into operation at the authority’s Wando Welch Terminal. Two of the new cranes will be installed at Wando Welch and two are going to the North Charleston Terminal. They were expected to be fully operational within 90 days of delivery.