Port Elizabeth prepares for citrus season

Rostock (Germany), April 2020 - Transnet Port Terminal’s Acting Chief Executive, Michelle Phillips said, “Having lost an entire crane due to gale force winds really set us back. The arrival of these two modern cranes will ensure that our promise to the industry is realized.” She added that the cranes arrived at a critical time when the company's nationwide terminals were giving priority to the movement of much needed goods in the Eastern Cape, South Africa and abroad.

“We are at the start of the 2020 citrus season and we are very pleased that we are able to contribute positively towards the growth of this economy, especially during these challenging times,” said Phillips.

Liebherr Simulator for Training

The two modern and highly efficient Liebherr mobile harbour cranes, type LHM 600, have multi use capability, can lift up to 104 tons and move up and down the quayside according to berth activity. They are designed for versatile and efficient cargo handling. “An operator simulator has been onsite for the past month with Liebherr providing training to our employees. The LiSIM training simulator was part of our purchase arrangement – and we are quite impressed with the improved skills our employees are demonstrating,” said Phillips.

She added that both customers and employees had been looking forward to these two pieces of equipment, which arrived as semi assembled units. “We look forward to the commissioning of these cranes and to an improved operation in the PECT”.

Liebherr Mobile Harbour Crane Technology

The Port Elizabeth Terminal has been in operation since 1963. It's one of the largest exporters of manganese in the country. It is also an automotive hub for the Eastern Cape Region. Both Liebherr mobile harbour cranes are multi purpose machines. They’re also expected to benefit the automotive and the agricultural bulk sectors at the terminal. Due to their outstanding mobility they can move up and down the quayside according to berth activity, which allows them to handle New Panamax container and Capesize bulk vessels alike.

The cranes are part of a large equipment investment and are a response to industry calls for equipment that will improve performance across the operations of Transnet Port.