Ashdod Port has completed works on the eastern section of Platform 21, with the whole project being expected to be completed during the second half of the year, allowing mega-ships to dock in the Israeli port.
The port said that over US$31 million are being invested in the upgrade and deepening of the platform, as well as in adjustments on the backend, and the purchase of cranes.
This is a part of the port’s efforts to make additional platforms accessible for the unloading of ships, and therefore to address the high demand.
“As part of the various steps we are taking to help solve the crisis, in addition to extending the employment of temporary workers, we moved up the opening of the eastern section of Platform 21, which is being upgraded so that additional ships can dock,” commented Shiko Zana, CEO of Ashdod Port.
The upgrade of the eastern side of the platform, with a length of about 320 meters, was completed over the last few days, according to a statement, and roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) ships began to unload at the platform.
The upgrade also includes making the eastern side of the platform about 17.5 meters deeper, and reinforcing it so that it can support cranes weighing 130 tons.
“The massive investment in the project includes upgrading the water line so that cranes with an improved capacity can be installed, as well as the infrastructure for cranes that can lift two containers at once,” explained the port’s CEO.
Platform 21 has a total length of 850 meters, estimated to allow large container ships, with a length of about 400 meters and a container handling capacity of up to 24,000 TEU, to dock at Ashdod Port.
Additionally, the western side of the platform has a depth of almost 16 meters, suitable for large grain ships, and currently, about US$93.7 million are being invested in setting up an advanced grain conveyor, which includes an unloader for grain and grain products.
“When the work is completed, Platform 21 will be one of the most advanced platforms in Israel for unloading grain and container ships, meeting the highest international standards,” pointed out Zana.
