The arrival of two new Super Quay Cranes at APM Terminals Maasvlakte II in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, marked the start of a plan to increase capacity by more than 20% by 2019.
The new cranes are built by the supplier consortium ZPMC/ABB and offer the same functionality as the terminal's existing eight cranes on the deep-sea quay: high-speed, remote-control, double-trolley SQCs with twin and tandem capabilities.
Once the cranes are operational they will contribute to much needed capacity to help meet customers' growing requirements. After full commissioning the terminal will be able to service two triple-E vessels simultaneously, with 5 Super Quay Cranes each.
The combination of these two additional cranes and continuous efficiency improvements will enable the terminal to increase volumes by more than 20% in 2019. “It is extremely important to our customers to be able to deliver capacity in today's growing market," says Pieter Hartog, Managing Director of APM Terminals Maasvlakte II and Rotterdam.
Over the coming months, the two cranes will be commissioned and extensively tested in a dedicated area alongside the current commercial operation. This will allow for safe commissioning with negligible disruption to existing operations. “We are very proud of our dedicated staff who will be working with the suppliers to ensure the two new SQCs are commissioned safely," commented Pieter Hartog.
Before reaching Rotterdam, the cranes had travelled for 60 days aboard the Zhen Hua 24 transport vessel from Shanghai, with a stop-over in Dunkirk.