Ashdod Port has taken delivery of five semi-automatic Ship-to-shore (STS) cranes to reduce congestion at its facilities and increase the port’s competitivity in the supply chain.

The NIS 208 million ($62 million) cranes are equipped with advanced technology to assist in unloading and loading process and will be located in the new container terminal as part of the port’s investment in the renovation of pier 21.

The equipment was produced by Chinese manufacturer ZPMC and adapted to work with mega ships of up to 24,000 TEU capacity.

The cranes are 140.6 meters high with a marine arm length of 71 meters. They are adapted to work with 62-meter-wide ships that carry about 24 rows of containers.

The new STS equipment can lift loads with a total weight of up to 95 tons using a dedicated hook. Each of the cranes includes a TANDEM lifting device that allows for the removal of two full 40-foot containers with a total weight of 80 tons.

The camera and laser systems installed on the cranes allow for remote control, while a TOS system enables semi-automatic operations as well.

The cranes were shipped from China in early February and are expected to be fully operational by next September.

Shiko Janna, CEO of the Port of Ashdod, said the new equipment will help the port alleviate congestion resulted from the outbreak of the pandemic and promote technological improvements for a faster and more efficient management.

The Ashdod Port Company reported impressive financial results despite the ongoing COVID-19 crisis – posting an increase in operating profit of 142 per cent in 2021 and achieving record-breaking figures in container handling.