ICTSI orders MHCs for Tartous

The two cranes are the first to be ordered for this type of duty in Syria, where container handling has traditionally been undertaken by geared vessels. Scheduled for delivery on 1 July, 2007, the MHCs will both feature a 41-tonne lifting capacity under the spreader and the ability to serve Panamax-dimension vessels with up to 13 rows of containers on deck.

ICTSI signed a 10-year concession for the terminal at the end of November 2006, and initial operations are targeted to commence in May 2007. Two ship-to-shore gantry cranes are expected to be ordered soon by the Tartous General Port Company (TGPC), to be scheduled for delivery in 2008.

ICTSI plans to invest approximately US$39m in the new terminal over the lifetime of the concession. Located on the North Quay, Pier B of the Port of Tartous, it features a 540 m quay and a 250,000 sq m back-up area.