Durban Container Terminal's new cranes enter service

Oct 1, 2004
Author: SAPO

South African Port Operations mammoth super post panamax Liebherr cranes swung into operation on their first commercial test today (Friday) on a large container carrier the MSC Korea which docked during the morning.

All three cranes will be in operation on the ship which is discharging 1 300 containers and loading 1 450 containers.



In the next few weeks the cranes will be tested to the hilt on ships with large cargoes of containers and will need to prove themselves in terms of speed, lifting capabilities and operational efficiency.

While being tested the cranes will also assist in easing delays that have soared since last weekend when the port was closed for up to 24 hours because of high wind and swells.

Over the past three weeks the cranes have been de-braced and had their painting rectified after the long sea journey. They have also undergone final modifications, been load tested and commissioned while crane operators have been in training.

The cranes, from the Italian port of La Spezia, arrived in Durban on August 9 to a huge welcome from crowds of onlookers, and have been positioned at the South Quay alongside berths 108/109 where SAPO will fully benefit from the berth and stacking potential available.

SAPO can now handle the biggest container ships on these berths at very high crane productivity rates due to each machine being able to lift two 20ft containers at the same time.

With the introduction of the Liebherr cranes using twin lift spreaders, faster trolley speed and quicker lifting speed, the productivity at the terminal is expected to improve to over 20 gross crane hour moves from the current average level of 18 and less.

While cranes are not the only factor that impacts ship turnaround time it is expected that the new cranes will assist in improving turnaround times by as much as 10% to 15% once they are fully operational.

Tau Morwe, SAPO CEO said; “The technical specifications of these cranes allow access to the largest container ships, and with up to three cranes working at a time on a regular basis we will be able to attract future and new business.

“The new equipment is not a ‘quick fix solution.’ The decision to acquire the Liebherr cranes, the largest and most modern in the Southern Hemisphere, was taken because of the potential benefit they would realise in future years,” he said.