After delays to the San Cataldo Container Terminal (SCCT) investment programme because of COVID-19, the terminal could be ready to welcome its first vessel as soon as July.
In May 2020, Konecranes’ engineering team arrived at the SCCT in Taranto to start crane revamping project. The team’s arrival was scheduled for the end of 2019. However, the pandemic delayed the investment programme, a statement from Yilport said.
It is expected that the port will be ready to accept the first container vessel from CMA CGM in July 2020.
Terminal equipment has not been in use for seven years, according to the company. Yilport and Konecranes teams will therefore focus on reconditioning all equipment for high operational efficiency.
Seven ship-to-shore (STS) cranes will be revamped and repainted in Yilport Holding colours, relocated to the new berth with SMTPs, and commissioned for service.
In addition, the rail infrastructure and national railroad connection will be revamped. Repairs and civil construction work is also underway, as well as a new electric supply line, and upgraded water treatment system.
The total revamping project is estimated to be complete in one year.
In total SCCT will have revamped seven STS gantry cranes, 17 rail-mounted gantry (RMG) cranes, one mobile harbor crane (MHC), two reach stackers (RS), two empty container handlers (ECH), and all existing terminal tractors and trailers.
Yilport is continuing to execute Phase 1 investment of over €20 million as committed in the concession agreement. Yilport also opted to advance Phase 2 expansion to complete the overall investment of €75 million, before the project timeline of five years.
In total, Yilport Holding will invest over €400 million for the SCCT during the 49-year concession period.
SCCT is a deep-sea terminal with 15 meters of minimum draft. In Mediterranean, it is one of the closest to main trade lanes through Gibraltar and the Suez canals.
The terminal is also eligible to serve up to ultra large container vessels with -16.5 meters draft.
