The Port of Felixstowe has taken delivery of its first two remote control ship-to-shore (STS) gantry cranes.
The two new cranes, the 32nd and 33rd at the UK's largest container port, were delivered on the Zhen Hua 23 from ZPMC in Shanghai.
Commenting on the new cranes, Clemence Cheng, CEO of the Port of Felixstowe and Executive Director, Hutchison Ports, said:
"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.
"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."
In addition to the new cranes, the port is creating an additional 18,000 TEU of container storage capacity, upgrading its terminal operating system, raising the height of 10 ship-to-shore cranes on Trinity Terminal and has eight additional yard cranes on order for delivery in early 2019.
The new cranes are capable of working vessels with containers stowed 11-high and 24-wide on deck. Instead of being in a cab 50 metres above the quay, the drivers will be located in a nearby operations centre.