The Port of Salalah has welcomed the arrival of hybrid cranes intended to boost cargo handling efficiency.
Four new hybrid Rubber-Tyred Gantry (hRTG) cranes join 24 existing cranes at the Port of Salalah, including completely electric ship-to-shore (STS) assets.
In terms of sustainability, these new innovations provide complete lifting and driving power with faster turnaround times for container handling while using much less fuel than a conventionally powered RTG.
Shipping companies are growing interested in using the Port of Salalah as an alternative to route through the Cape of Good Hope.
READ: Port of Salalah obtains new STS cranes for terminal expansion
The new assets employ a regenerative energy system which means each power unit’s running hours are much reduced, and they are a quieter option, which reduces sound pollution.
Furthermore, the cranes are fitted with Differential Global Positioning System (dGPS) and Position Determination System (PDS), which improves operating precision.
READ: Port of Salalah implements alternative route to the Red Sea
Operators will receive training to ensure they are comfortable using this new equipment, which is expected to be operational within a week.
The remaining eight hRTGs are expected to be operational by the end of November, bringing the terminal’s capacity to 6 million TEU by the end of the year.
In June, the Port of Salalah announced that its $300 million expansion plan is on track.
