Port of Newcastle has invested $28.4 million to enhance its existing project cargo, general cargo and container holding capability.
The investment went to two Liebherr LHM 550 mobile harbour cranes and associated infrastructure at the Port’s versatile Mayfield 4 berth.
Built in Germany, the mobile harbour cranes will feature the latest lift assistance systems, provided to ensure improved material handling, precise control over load movement and safer lifts.
Port of Newcastle Executive Manager Trade & Business Development, Paul Brown, said the mobile harbour cranes will increase efficiency at the Port and provide an enhanced alternative for customers currently moving both oversized equipment and containerised cargoes through the East Coast’s capital city ports.
“Our customers already benefit from Port of Newcastle’s uncongested road, dedicated freight rail and berth access and this investment will enable both existing and new customers to utilise the Port’s infrastructure to move their oversized equipment and containerised cargo even more efficiently through Newcastle than they currently can,” Brown said.
“Port of Newcastle is excited about this upgrade to our Mayfield 4 berth service offering. Our team look forward to working with customers and new trades alike to identify how the mobile harbour cranes service can benefit their supply chain, improve efficiency and further support their ability to successfully compete in international markets,” he said.
With access to rail sidings and upgraded internal roads, able to handle oversized trucks, the new cranes can handle a diverse mix of project cargo, including wind turbines, mining equipment, and transformers. The cranes will also have the capability to work in tandem for heavy lifts and lift two 20’ or one 40’ container in a single move.
Port of Newcastle CEO Craig Carmody said the investment in mobile harbour cranes was part of the Port’s long-term diversification plans to better meet the demands of customers.
“As the Hunter’s trade gateway to the world, the mobile harbour crane investment will enable the Port to leverage the full use of our abundant channel, rail, road and land capacity to accommodate existing and new trade and ensure the Port of Newcastle is best placed to meet the demands of customers into the future,” Carmoy said.
“Naturally, we would also like to be announcing the next stage in our game changing $2.4-billion Multi-purpose Deepwater Terminal project. Although we are not presently in that position, Port of Newcastle’s goals are unwavering,” he revealed.
Port of Newcastle’s new mobile harbour cranes are expected to arrive in mid-2022.
Source: Port of Newcastle