Four giant gantry cranes have arrived at APM Terminals Elizabeth, based in New York, U.S., with the aim of boosting the terminal’s capacity to handle larger ships.
The cranes reach 23 containers across the vessel beam – equivalent to two thirds the width of a football field – and are part of the facility’s USD 200 million infrastructure investment plan scheduled for completion this year.
“We are proud to offer our liner customers and landside customers this new service capability, increased productivity and deeper water depth,” said APM Terminals North America CEO Wim Lagaay .
“The completion of the dredging six months ahead of schedule was made possible by the dedication and proactivity of the Port Authority of NY & NJ working with Federal and State agencies, as well as other stakeholders to secure all the permits and contracts in record time. This will result in more berthing capacity for our liner customers at a time when cargo volumes continue to increase.”
New @APMTerminals cranes making their way to the Elizabeth NJ terminal . Congratulations to the APMT team for reaching this important milestone. pic.twitter.com/626K309RVm
— Angel Mavares B. (@amavaresb) April 26, 2018
“The multibillion dollar program to deepen our port channels to 50 feet, coupled with the raising of the Bayonne Bridge, has ensured that our port is ready to handle the biggest ships now calling on the East Coast,” said Port Authority Port Director Molly Campbell .
“The arrival of these new cranes is further evidence that our terminal operators are confident on the port’s bright future and willing to invest in it.”
The ongoing modernization plan for APM Terminals Elizabeth includes reinforcing berths which have been dredged to 50 feet (15.25 meters) to handle the larger vessels.