PARIS: Three Kalmar STS cranes operated by DP World at the global port operator’s Antwerp Gateway are to be heightened by 6m to allow the port to accommodate larger container ships.
The project is to be undertaken by Kalmar, which will carry out all planning and engineering, including the installation of leg extensions underneath the portal beams in the existing flange junctions of the cranes.
The cranes have been operational at the port since 2005, but need to be extended to keep pace with the growth in the size of container ships in the last ten years.
The cranes are not just being heightened, according to a press release from DP World Antwerp, installations of consequential structural reinforcements in crane travel and trolley travel direction will also be carried out.
“Today’s challenges in the port industry evolve around capacity and more and more upon capability,” said Rob Harrison, CEO, DP World Antwerp Gateway. “We at DP World Antwerp Gateway are confident in Kalmar being able to deliver this project and allowing us to meet these needs in a practical and effective manner.”
“Quality and operational efficiency are high on our agenda. With professional planning and execution of an upgrade project, disruption on the terminal’s operational efficiency during the project can be minimised,” added Jelle van der Waal, director of crane upgrades at Kalmar, EMEA North.
