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DP World Melbourne commissions new port-Panamax STS crane
DP World Melbourne is looking to take its container handling capabilities to new heights with the commissioning of its new post-Panamax ship-to-shore (STS) crane on Sunday.
David Hodgett, Australia’s minister for ports, was on hand to officially inaugurate the new crane, which DP World Melbourne claim will improve efficiency to handle growing trade.
“This investment by DP World is a clear sign that industry is on board with the AU$1.6 billion Port Capacity Project that will truly lift the port to new heights,” said Hodgett.
“DP World’s Melbourne terminal is its largest and busiest operation in Australia and an invaluable strategic asset for the company which moved 26.6 million containers across the globe in the first half of this year.
“It gives me great pleasure to stand side-by-side with DP World Australia’s Managing Director Ganesh Raj to witness an occasion which marks the continued growth of the industry. I look forward to a long partnership as we continue to develop and improve the nation’s leading port.”
DP World Australia managing director Ganesh Raj said the addition of a new Liebherr STS Crane to the existing crane fleet will help DP World improve productivity at West Swanson Terminal as well as facilitating container growth at Australia’s largest container port.
“Capable of lifting two 20 foot containers simultaneously, the crane has a waterside outreach of 50 metres, a rail gauge of 25.3 metres and a landside backreach of 20 metres,” said Raj.
“The Safe Working Load (S.W.L.) of the crane is 65 tonnes under twin lift spreader with a lift height of 38 metres under spreader.”
“DP World worked closely with a special project team from Liebherr, and their local contractors, to assemble the crane safely and securely on site at West Swanson Terminal.
“The commencement of this newly assembled Crane 1 into our operations also marks the beginning of a new and innovative era of crane deployment to our region.”