Thamesport boosts its crane fleet

The latest addition to the port’s STS gantries, manufactured by Zhenhua Port Machinery Company (ZPMC) of China, is 72 m high. It can handle containers stowed 21 wide, with the ability to twin-lift containers to a maximum capacity of 85 tonnes. Following extensive commissioning tests, the crane is anticipated to be fully operational in late May.

Chris Lewis, CEO of Hutchison Ports, which owns Thamesport, said: “The new gantry crane will improve our ability to handle the latest generation of ultra-large container ships. With the UK facing increasing capacity constraints at deepwater container ports, Thamesport is unique in its ability to accommodate short-term growth in this essential market.”

The eight RTGs, manufactured by Fantuzzi Reggiane of Italy, will be capable of stacking containers one-over-five high, as opposed to the current one-over-four high capability of the existing rail-mounted gantry cranes. The 16-wheel machines are fitted with AC drive engineering supplied by Noell, based on Siemens inverters, and will be powered by Caterpillar diesel engines. The additional RTGs will improve yard handling capability and increase the speed of landside operations.