Thamesport welcomes arrival of cranes

Thamesport (London) took delivery of its seventh ship-to-shore gantry crane and eight Rubber-Tyred Gantry Cranes (RTGs) on 8th April 2008. 

The latest addition to the ship-to-shore gantry cranes, manufactured by Zhenhua Port Machinery Company (ZPMC), is 72 metres high. It can handle containers stowed 21-wide, with the ability to twin-lift containers to a maximum capacity of 85 tonnes.  

Chris Lewis, Chief Executive Officer 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 deep-water container ports, Thamesport is unique in its ability to accommodate short-term growth in this essential market.”

He added:

“The new RTGs will increase the efficiency of landside operations at Thamesport, reflecting its ongoing commitment to improving productivity and customer service.  The new equipment will ensure that we are able to accommodate the increasing volumes, both from existing customers and new business, without compromising our high levels of service integrity.”

The eight RTGs, manufactured by Fantuzzi Reggiane in 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.

Following extensive commissioning tests, it is anticipated that the ship-to-shore gantry crane will be fully operational in six weeks.

Source: Transportweekly