APM Terminals has completed the second phase of the 1 million TEU expansion at APMT Tangier MedPort in Morocco.
The expansion covers 180,000m², with seven additional container stacks and an additional 400 metre berth. Additionally, electric equipment, shore power and auto-mooring will contribute to APM Terminals Net Zero emissions ambition.
The second phase of the expansion project aims to increase the total capacity of the terminal by an additional 1 million TEU and is expected to be completed in 2025.
“This latest expansion will help maintain the semi-automated APMT MedPort Tangier terminals’ reputation as one of the most technologically advanced, efficient and safest container terminals in the world,” said APM Terminals in a statement.
New equipment for the second phase of the expansion included 14 electric automated rail mounted gantry cranes and 11 semi-automated hybrid shuttle carriers from Kalmar.
Moreover, the four new remote-controlled, ship-to-shore (STS) cranes are among the largest in the world, with an 82-metre outreach. These dual STS cranes can handle cargo vessels of 26 containers in width, or up to 24,000 TEU container capacity.
“This will significantly increase the capacity and turnaround efficiency of terminal operations, enabling better service to customers and improving overall customer experience through more efficient operations,” explains Keld Pedersen, head of APM Terminals West Med Terminals.
The terminal has also installed an innovative auto-mooring system. Automated vacuum pads along the extended part of the quay improve safety and operational efficiency. This will reduce the time taken by vessels to moor and release, with idle times estimated to be reduced to around 15 minutes at both arrival and departure, saving a total of around one hour of idle time, according to Maersk-owned port and terminal operator.
The system will also reduce time spent by tugs in port, reducing emissions, and reduce port stays. According to supplier Cavotec, this results in reduced direct emissions during ship berthing by more than 90% due to the reduced use of tugs and ship engines.
Once ships are moored, active hydraulics significantly reduce vessel motion, thereby positively impacting the terminals’ already exceptional crane moves per hour. APM Terminals MedPort Tangier regularly achieves productivity levels above 34 crane moves per hour on larger vessels. As a result of improved efficiency due to the auto-mooring system, average vessel call times are expected to be further reduced.
