The first batch of new ZPMC Super-Post Panamax ship-to-shore (STS) cranes arrived at APM Terminals Elizabeth earlier in September.
Handled by APM Terminals’ Crane Engineering Service, they have a 23-container outreach and can efficiently work multiple ultra large container vessels (ULCVs) and Neo-Panamax Vessels simultaneously.
According to APM Terminals, two of eventual sextuplets (the other four due next year) will be maximising efficiency at APM Terminals Elizabeth in New York as they set to work at APM Terminals Elizabeth’s 6,000ft (approx. 1,830 metre) quay. Of the terminal’s 14 total cranes, ten will be of this new improved model.
The first two, riding in on the heavy load carrier, the Zhen Hua 29, made their way from China to Houston and then to New York. The new equipment represents a mere fraction of the record-breaking year of crane handling by APM Terminals’ Crane Engineering Services (CES).
“Where CES might ordinarily handle a still-impressive 20-25 STS cranes per year, the past 12 months have been exceptional as the industry continues to redress the balance of investments and equipment post Covid-19. With close to 100 STS cranes passing through the Shanghai operational hub, this has been a period of high productivity,” said APM Terminals in an announcement.