Hutchison Port, a Hong Kong-based operator of the container terminal in the Port of Felixstowe, has taken delivery of two remote controlled ship-to-shore (STS) gantry cranes.

The new machinery, the 32nd and 33rd gantry to be deployed at Felixstowe, is capable of working vessels with containers stowed 11–high and 24-wide on deck.

Instead of being in a cab 50 m above the quay, the STSes' drivers will be located in a nearby operations centre.

"These new cranes are the latest acquisition in our ongoing investment programme to provide the best equipment, infrastructure and systems for our customers. They will further enhance our capability to work multiple mega-vessels simultaneously," Clemence Cheng, CEO, the Port of Felixstowe, and Executive Director, Hutchison Ports, said.

He added, "Remote control quay cranes have been pioneered at other Hutchison Ports terminals. Their introduction at Felixstowe will improve the working conditions of the drivers, enhance safety and benefit communications within operational teams."

Besides the new equipment, the port is creating an additional 18k TEU of container storage capacity, upgrading its terminal operating system, raising the height of 10 STS cranes on the Trinity Terminal, and it has eight additional yard cranes on order for delivery in early 2019.

Photo: Port of Felixstowe