Port of Newcastle’s existing project cargo, general cargo and container handling capability will be further enhanced following a more than US$20 million investment in two Liebherr LHM 550 mobile harbour cranes and associated infrastructure at the port’s versatile Mayfield 4 berth.
The new Mobile Harbour Cranes are expected to arrive at the Australian port in mid-2022.
Port of Newcastle’s Executive Manager Trade & Business Development, Paul Brown said the mobile harbour cranes will increase efficiency at the port and provide an enhanced alternative for customers currently moving both oversized equipment and containerised cargoes through the East Coast’s capital city ports.
“This investment will enable both existing and new customers to utilise the port’s infrastructure to move their oversized equipment and containerised cargo even more efficiently through Newcastle than they currently can,” he pointed out.
The contract to supply the cranes has been awarded to Liebherr. Built in Germany, the two brand new Liebherr LHM 550 cranes will feature the latest lift assistance systems, provided to ensure improved material handling, precise control over load movement and safer lifts, according to a statement.
With access to rail sidings and upgraded internal roads, able to handle oversized trucks, the new cranes are capable of handling a diverse mix of project cargo, including wind turbines, mining equipment, timber, steel coils and transformers.
The cranes will also have the capability to work in tandem for heavy lifts and lift two 20’ or one 40’ container in a single move.
Port of Newcastle CEO, Craig Carmody said the investment in mobile harbour cranes is part of the port’s long-term diversification plans to better meet the demands of customers.
“The mobile harbour crane investment will enable the port to leverage the full use of our abundant channel, rail, road and land capacity to accommodate existing and new trade and ensure the Port of Newcastle is best placed to meet the demands of customers into the future,” he noted.
“We would also like to be announcing the next stage in our game-changing US$1.8 billion Multi-purpose Deepwater Terminal project. Although we are not presently in that position, Port of Newcastle’s goals are unwavering,” added Carmody.
