The Port of Newcastle will receive two new Liebherr LHM 550 mobile harbour cranes at its Mayfield 4 berth.
Expected to be delivered in mid-2022, the AU$28.4 million ($21 million) investment will boost the port’s cargo, general cargo and container handling capacity.
Built in Germany, the two brand new Liebherr LHM 550 cranes will feature the latest lift assistance systems, provided to ensure improved material handling, precise control over load movement and safer lifts.
With access to rail sidings and upgraded internal roads, able to handle oversized trucks, the new cranes are capable of handling a diverse mix of project cargo, including wind turbines, mining equipment, timber, steel coils and transformers.
The cranes will also have the capability to work in tandem for heavy lifts and lift two TEU containers or one 40-foot container in a single move.
Port of Newcastle CEO Craig Carmody said the investment in mobile harbour cranes was part of the port’s long-term diversification plans to better meet the demands of customers.
He commented, “As the Hunter’s trade gateway to the world, the mobile harbour crane investment will enable the port to leverage the full use of our abundant channel, rail, road and land capacity to accommodate existing and new trade and ensure the Port of Newcastle is best placed to meet the demands of customers into the future.”
“Naturally, we would also like to be announcing the next stage in our game changing AU$2.4 billion ($1.76 billion) multi-purpose deepwater terminal project.
“Although we are not presently in that position, Port of Newcastle’s goals are unwavering,” Carmody said.
“We are firmly focused on seizing opportunities that will create a broad mix of trade opportunities which help to support our local industry, boost jobs in addition to the 9000 positions the port directly and indirectly supports now, and build a prosperous local, state and national economy.”
Port of Newcastle’s Executive Manager Trade & Business Development, Paul Brown, said the mobile harbour cranes will increase efficiency at the port and provide an alternative for customers currently moving both oversized equipment and containerised cargoes through the East Coast’s capital city ports.
He added, “Our customers already benefit from Port of Newcastle’s uncongested road, dedicated freight rail and berth access and this investment will enable both existing and new customers to utilise the port’s infrastructure to move their oversized equipment and containerised cargo even more efficiently through Newcastle than they currently can.”
