The LHM 600 cranes arrived at Port Elizabeth Container Terminal (PECT) earlier this month, but they are multipurpose machines that are expected to also benefit the automotive and the agricultural bulk sectors at the facility.
Due to their excellent mobility, they can move up and down the quayside according to berth activity, which allows them to handle Neo-Panamax container and Capesize bulk vessels alike.
The cranes are part of a large equipment investment made in response to industry calls for equipment that will improve performance across the operations of Transnet Port Terminals.
Transnet Port Terminal’s Acting Chief Executive, Michelle Phillips said: “Having lost an entire crane due to gale force winds really set us back. The arrival of these two modern cranes will ensure that our promise to the industry is realised.”
She added that the cranes arrived at a critical time when the company’s nationwide terminals were giving priority to the movement of much needed goods in the Eastern Cape, South Africa and abroad.
The initial role of the two LHM 600s will be to assist PECT in the upcoming citrus fruit harvest. “We are at the start of the 2020 citrus season and we are very pleased that we are able to contribute positively towards the growth of this economy, especially during these challenging times,” said Phillips.
“An operator simulator has been onsite for the past month with Liebherr providing training to our employees. The LiSIM training simulator was part of our purchase arrangement – and we are quite impressed with the improved skills our employees are demonstrating,”
She added that both customers and employees had been looking forward to these two pieces of equipment, which arrived as semi assembled units. “We look forward to the commissioning of these cranes and to an improved operation in the PECT.”
The Port Elizabeth Terminal has been in operation since 1963. It’s one of the largest exporters of manganese in the country. It is also an automotive hub for the Eastern Cape Region.