Two of the UK’s most technically advanced quay cranes were brought up the River Thames on Wednesday, after the cranes completed the long sea voyage from China on vessel Zhen Hua 10 via the Cape of Good Hope to arrive at DP World London Gateway.
When installed, they will match DP World London Gateway’s existing cranes in providing the greatest lift-height above water of any quay cranes in the UK.
They are for the third berth at the state-of-the-art container terminal, providing additional trade infrastructure for the UK when the berth opens in late 2016.
This investment ensures the country remains competitive, by being able to handle the world’s largest container ships.
Another two cranes for the third berth are due to arrive in London next week, moving development of the terminal’s third berth onto the next stage.
At their highest point, the quay cranes stand at 138 metres tall – the same height as the London Eye.
A further 20 automated stacking cranes and additional 10 modules have already been installed, while in April, 21016 the port took delivery of a fleet of hybrid shuttle carriers.
Technical Paper: Container Handling Innovation at London Gateway
Once the third berth is open, DP World London Gateway will have 1250 metres of quay wall, providing three deep-water berths and more ultra-large container vessel capacity than any other port in the UK.
Cameron Thorpe, CEO of DP World London Gateway, said: “As an island nation, it is absolutely vital that the UK has world-class port infrastructure to facilitate trade.
“In addition to the eight already in operation here, the arrival of these quay cranes and further investment in supplementary infrastructure such as our fully automated truck handling capability, ensures that the UK is able to efficiently and reliably handle the largest container ships afloat.
“These cranes are unique in the UK. They are safer, more wind resilient, able to lift more containers in one movement and comfortably reach out across and above the largest container ships.”
Mr Thorpe concluded: “With DP World London Gateway, the UK has a port and Logistics Park in the very best location for trade, able to meet the demands of the container shipping industry both now and in the future. That all contributes to ensuring those importers and exporters who use the facility, will be more competitive, have a more secure supply chain and experience a faster and more efficient delivery at a lower cost.”
