SCT Expands Crane Capacity with Order for Two Post-Panamax Cranes

Southampton Container Terminals (SCT) is pleased to announce that an order for two new super post-panamax quayside gantry cranes has been placed with Liebherr Cranes.

The cranes, which are due to be operational during the second quarter 2008, will have an outreach to accommodate vessels of up to 22 rows wide on deck, with a lift height of 45 metres, enabling SCT to service the new generation of very large container vessels.

Once the new cranes are commissioned, SCT will boast 13 quayside gantry cranes of which 7 will be able to handle vessels of more than 18 containers across deck.  A mobile harbour crane is utilised for feeder operations on an adjacent berth.

Preparation work at SCT will begin April 2007 with the construction of a third crane rail with a gauge of 35 metres.  This work, which will take place on berths 205 and 206, will involve the quayside being piled and excavated in which will be cast a concrete beam to house the new crane rail.  Work is scheduled to be completed by the end of August 2007.  

Patrick Walters, SCT’s Managing Director commented: “This order forms part of an on going investment to expand capacity to meet our customer’s needs and to ensure service quality is continually improved.”