-
UK’s newest port becomes first to introduce quad lift STS cranes
DP World London Gateway, the UK’s newest deepwater port, has become the first port in Britain to lift four containers simultaneously on its quay cranes.
The spreader, capable of lifting four twenty foot containers or two forty foot containers at a time, doubles the quay cranes handling capacity increasing efficiency and productivity for UK shippers, report Lloyd’s Loading List.
“This is an excellent example of DP World innovation at London Gateway,” declared engineering director, Andrew Bowen.
“By introducing the tandem lift for two forty foot containers to our operations, we will be able to improve productivity that will allow vessels to be turned around faster and cargo to move on to its final destination more efficiently.”
“The culture at DP World London Gateway encourages us to innovate and improve supply chains and we look forward to continuous improvements in the future.”
“We have already enhanced the size of the cranes to be some of the largest in the world, capable of handling the largest vessels in the world. They also come with cutting edge automation technology,” added Bowen.
After more than a decade of planning and construction across three square miles of development, the MOL Caledon became the first vessel to call London Gateway when it officially opened for commercial business in November last year. The port is now operating with its first berth open. When fully developed,
London Gateway will operate six berths, with a total of 24 quay cranes and will be able to handle 3.5 million TEU a year.
According to a study by Oxford Economics, once fully operational, London Gateway will create 36,000 jobs and contribute £3.2 billion to the UK’s GDP each year.
