Southampton Container Terminals Ltd (SCT) is continuing to make good progress with the necessary civil works currently taking place in order to accommodate the two new super post-panamax cranes which are due to be operational in the second quarter of 2008.  The cranes will reach 22 rows across the deck and will increase the terminal’s operational ability.

The new cranes require a 35 metre rail gauge compared to the existing 11 cranes which have a 19.8 metre gauge.  It has therefore been necessary to lay a new landside rail across 500 metres of the 600 metres of 205 and 206 berths.   In addition to the work on the landside rail, it is necessary to upgrade the waterside rail support system in line with modern standards and restore the rail to its original line and level.

Work started on the landside rail during April and involved deep piling to support the rail support beam.  Work on the waterside rail on 206 berth began at the start of July and was completed recently, with 206 berth now reopened to deep-sea operations.  The same rail refurbishment works are now underway on 205 berth, which means that 205 berth will be closed to deep-sea operations until the end of August.

Commenting on the works, Campbell Mason, Managing Director, SCT, said:

“I am pleased to report that these necessary civil works are progressing well and are scheduled to be complete in time for the start of the traditional peak season.  We have endeavoured to minimise the disruption experienced by vessels calling at the terminal whilst we operate with three fully operational deep-sea berths instead of the usual four.  We would like to thank our customers for their continued support and patience during the period of these works.”