A mobile crane capable of lifting up to 120T will boost the cargo handling capabilities of one of the north-east ports, after recently arriving at the port.
Port of Sunderland has taken delivery of a brand new Liebherr LHM 420 - the second of the same kind the port now owns - which will transform its handling capabilities, opening up a new market on the River Wear waters.
The crane, which arrived by sea end of last year, is the latest investment agreed by the board to unlock the significant potential that exists at the port. Now with these twin cranes, Port of Sunderland is able to conduct a tandem lift with its own in-house equipment of up to 240T. This means that the two cranes can work together to handle the most demanding of cargo projects.
Port Director, Matthew Hunt, said he was delighted with the new arrival.
He said: “Four years ago, we invested in Liebherr LHM 420, and we have never looked back. The port’s ability to support significant lifting projects has meant we have attracted business from all over the world as well as supporting our current customer base in providing speedier turnaround of vessels in the Port
“By investing in our second heavy lift crane, we can deliver large, more complex projects much more efficiently, and we can send a very clear message to the market – that we should be the first port of call for projects that require the very best facilities.”
Mr Hunt believes the investment will open up opportunities in emerging markets.
“The port’s excellent geographical position means that we are uniquely placed to support markets including the resurgent offshore renewables market in the North East, so adding to our capabilities with this crane will only serve to ensure Port of Sunderland is front of mind as a facility to assist these kinds of projects. It sets us on a really strong footing for 2019.”
Port of Sunderland is owned by Sunderland City Council.
Leader of the council and Chair of the port board, Councillor Graeme Miller, said: “We have absolutely no doubt that this crane will provide a major boost for the port and it is a visible sign of the commitment of the council to invest in our fantastic port, which we believe can once again be a major economic driver in the city.”