Two post-Panamax cranes have been delivered to the South Carolina Ports Authority (SCPA), indicating its big-ship readiness.
Shanghai Zhenhua Heavy Industry Co. Ltd (ZPMC) produced the cranes, and they are to reside at the Wando Welch Terminal currently undergoing a US$44 million mega ship capable upgrade.
Technical Paper: Mega Ship Matters
Last month the SCPA Board of Directors approved the purchase of two additional cranes of this size for delivery at the end of 2017, which coincides with the completion of the wharf project.
Jim Newsome, President and CEO of the SCPA, said: “The delivery of the new cranes is a milestone for our port; they are integral to our future and represent a big step forward in our strategy to remain competitive in today’s big-ship environment.
“Along with the Wando wharf strengthening project, the cranes will allow us to handle the upsizing of ships following the opening of the Panama Canal expansion in order to continue to meet the needs of our customers and enhance the crane productivity we are known for in the US port industry.”
SCPA expects to handle its first 14,000 TEU vessel call in late 2016. The Charlestown port has the deepest harbour in the Southeast, and upon completion of its deepening project, it will be the deepest harbour on the US East Coast.
Fact File: The South Carolina Ports Authority (SCPA) was established by the state’s General Assembly in 1942. SCPA owns and operates public seaport facilities in Charleston, Georgetown and Greer. Port operations facilitate 187,200 state-wide jobs and generate nearly $53 billion in annual economic activity.
