Port Everglades, located in Broward County, Florida, has announced that it will receive three Super Post-Panamax container-handling gantry cranes from the manufacturer Shanghai Zhenhua Heavy Industries (ZPMC).
Steven Cernak, Port Everglades Chief Executive, said that each piece of equipment is valued at US$ 13.8 million.
The new cranes will be able to handle containers stacked eight units high, and reach across 22 containers on a ship’s deck.
In addition, Port Everglades will upgrade its current stock of cranes, which will eventually have a lift capacity of 65 tons instead of the current 46.5.
Kalmar experts discuss how automated-RTG's may be suitable for terminals currently using gantry cranes in a recent Port Technology technical paper
This purchase feeds into the largest expansion project in Port Everglades’ history, which also includes lengthening the Southport Turning Notch from 900 feet to 2,400 feet.
Once complete and operational, the port anticipates that the project will support around 5,500 permanent jobs regionally.
Commenting on the order, Cernak said: “Our customers need larger cranes now to be able to handle cargo already arriving on larger ships from South America and Europe.”
ZPMC Chairman Zhu Lianyu, who has visited Florida to meet the port’s terminal operators, also made a statement: “ZPMC is honoured to be a part of this important expansion at Port Everglades. We value the relationship we have built and are committed to the success of this new project.
“We are confident that this cooperation will enhance our relationship and make both of us more brilliant in the future.”
