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The UK’s Port of Felixstowe has received its two remote control ship-to-shore (STS) cranes produced by China’s Shanghai Zhenhua Heavy Industries (ZPMC).
Felixstowe now has 33 cranes in total, but these are the first remote controlled units at the facility.
Rather than being located in a cab on the crane, drivers of the remote-controlled models will be located at 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.”
He continued: “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.”
Aside from the new units, Felixstowe is adding 18,000 teu in storage capacity, upgrading its terminal operating system (TOS), raising the height of ten STS cranes at its Trinity Terminal, and has ordered eight yard cranes for delivery in early 2019.