Despite poor weather, the new crane, which is equipped with real time diagnostic capability and has the ability to handle 82 tonnes at its hook and 41 tonnes when in spreader mode, helped half the previously-expected discharge time for an operation of this sort. Brian McEvoy, the Port of Liverpool’s general cargo terminal manager, said: “We are really pleased with the capability of this new Liebherr harbour mobile, which we have designated ML5 in what is now a fleet of eight mobiles. There were delays due to heavy rain and the necessity of keeping the steel coil dry, but we still achieved record discharge times for such an operation.”
David Huck, head of port operations for Peel Ports Mersey, said: “It’s clear that this new mobile crane is already having a highly positive impact on operations at The Port of Liverpool. It will undoubtedly provide us with the capability to further enhance our customer services across a wide commodity mix including dry bulks, metals and containers handled by barge. “This crane is the first of several planned for delivery in 2011 and is further evidence of Peel Ports’ commitment to investment and growth. More importantly these new cranes will vastly improve our service offering, productivity and capacity, coming with a range of both high and low density grabs with a cubic capacity of 13.5m³ and a 40ft spreader frame.”
The new harbour mobile crane was manufactured by Liebherr Austria and was assembled at one of the Port’s bulk terminals. It had undergone an intense commissioning and testing process before becoming fully operational with this first operation. Huck added: “This delivery follows strong growth and performance by the division’s team and ensures we are well placed for the future.” The Port of Liverpool experienced growth in 2010 in all its terminal sectors including dry bulks, liquid bulks, metals, forest products and containers and continues to further develop its customer offering through the integrated offering of the Port of Liverpool and The Manchester Ship Canal.