Not satisfied with making our cranes higher, we are now to make the two of the booms longer!

To match the continuing expansion in beam of modern Container vessels, the Engineering department has produced a scheme to increase the boom outreach on cranes 4-8 which will allow 18 wide vessels to be handled. This extension will take the cranes to their practical limit, and derive benefits for the operational team whilst handling the growing fleet of oversize 17 wide vessels. Final board approval has been received to modify two cranes this year, with an option to complete the remaining three next year. As with the heightening works, this shall be carried out in the summer months to minimise weather risk.

The approach is somewhat novel, in that the existing boom end structures shall be removed in situ, and replaced with new components some 4 metres more in length and weighing up to 6 tonnes. The trolley frame shall be adapted to act as a lifting and positioning device to facilitate the works on the quay. This method avoids the disruption and cost of moving the crane back into container stacking areas.

Final details are being closed off at the moment with the intention of starting works in early May.