APM Terminals Elizabeth has announced the commissioning of two cutting-edge ZPMC Super-Post Panamax ship-to-shore (STS) cranes.
Boasting an impressive 23-container outreach, these cranes are crafted to seamlessly handle both ultra-large container vessels (ULCVs) and Neo-Panamax Vessels.
The cranes have completed all testing and are ready to handle the largest ships calling US east coast ports, capable of carrying up to 18,000 TEUs.
“The new cranes will improve our productivity by enabling us to work multiple large ships simultaneously. This reduces port stay time and improves the speed of our customer supply chains. The increased capacity we are bringing to the Port of New York and New Jersey aligns with the industry trend of deploying larger container vessels that are more efficient and represent a more sustainable approach to ocean shipping,” stated Henrik Kristensen, managing director of APM Terminals Elizabeth.
The inauguration of the two new cranes marks the initial phase of a substantial US$70 million investment in modernisation, set to complement the existing four cranes at the New Jersey container terminal, APM Terminals Elizabeth.
As part of this initiative, six cranes in total will be added, and by the first quarter of 2025, the terminal will host a fleet of 10 identical Super-post Panamax cranes. This strategic move aims to enhance operational standardisation, thereby fostering greater efficiency.
Currently, the terminal boasts a total of 14 cranes, including four similar super post-panamax cranes, all operational along its extensive approximately 1,828 meters quay.
According to a statement, these developments unfold in the wake of a substantial US$200 million terminal improvement project. This comprehensive initiative involved reinforcing the berth area, implementing a modernized gate facility and trucker appointment system, and procuring additional cranes. The latter, in particular, has significantly augmented the terminal’s vessel lift capacity, soaring from 900,000 to over 1.5 million lifts annually.
“We’re excited to see these investments further build on our port’s reputation for efficiency and reliability, as the East Coast’s busiest port and one of the top three busiest ports in the nation,” said Bethann Rooney, port department director at the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.
