The Port of New Orleans (Port NOLA) has approved the purchase of two 100-foot gauge container gantry cranes to support the growth and operations of the Napoleon Avenue Container Terminal.
Following a positive vote from the Board of Commissioners, who agreed to the plans on March 28, 2019, US$23.4 million will be paid to Shanghai Zenhua Heavy Industries (ZPMC) for the construction and delivery of the cranes.
Brandy D. Christian, President and CEO of Port NOLA, said: “These new cranes are vital to our success and growth here at Port NOLA.
“They will increase our efficiency so we can accommodate larger and wider ships more quickly and meet the growing needs of our carriers and shippers.”
Mark Sisson discusses the automation options available to RTG terminals in a recent Port Technology technical paper
In order for larger and wider ships to be accommodated by Louisiana’s sole international trade gateway, equipment with increased handling capabilities is required.
According to a statement, the 8,000 to 9,500 TEU container ships currently serving the port with increasing frequency are best served by 100-foot gauge gantry cranes.
With two of these machines already in operation at the terminal site, Port NOLA’s newest units will complement existing equipment and allow 50-foot gauge gantry cranes to be utilized by smaller vessels calling at New Orleans.
It is part of a $350 million partnership between Massport, the US Army Corps of Engineers and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts… @Massport #PTIDaily #Us #Ports #Expansionhttps://t.co/55FOMMBdTY
— Port Technology (PTI) (@PortTechnology) March 21, 2019
The purchase of the two new cranes also supports NOLA’s plans to invest further in both current and new terminal facilities, ensuring that existing and projected cargo volumes are handled efficiently.
In 2018, the port set an all-time record by moving 591,253 TEU, a massive 12.3% increase on the year before.
