“Super Cranes” Delivered at Algeciras Port

Four STS cranes, the largest in their category, have been brought onshore at Algeciras port in Spain, and ready for to be commissioned. Inchcape Shipping Services (ISS) was recruited by ZPMC to moderate the break bulk carrier, Zhen Hua 25, and manage the discharge of her cargo in a safe and timely manner.

The cranes, which stand at over 100m , are to be used at the APM Terminal, specifically to service new Triple E Class container ships.  Algeciras, the busiest container port in the Iberian Peninsula, handled over 4.3 million TEUs in 2013. The installation of these cranes will designate its role as one of Europe’s leading container ports. Originated in Shanghai, the cranes embarked on a  50 day voyage to Algeciras, ending in a port call lasting eight days.

Julian Isola, ISS Operations Manager for Algeciras and Iberia said: “We first arranged the entry clearance with the Harbour Master and liaised with all parties, including the pilots and the tugs. The vessel had to continually adjust her drafts during the crane discharge, in order to ensure proper stability of the vessel, so we also shared these plans accordingly.

“Daily weather updates were provided by ISS Algeciras in case extra tug assistance was required during the discharge but, due to favorable swell and wind conditions, the discharge was quick and effective.”