The Port, which handles over 33 million tonnes of cargo annually, has purchased six straddle carriers, which brings its overall terminal fleet capacity to 40.
The Port has invested in one Liebherr and five Terex (Noell) diesel-electric straddle carriers, which increases the operational performance and flexibility of container handling. Latest-generation design means the machines benefit from leading edge technology, lower maintenance costs and increased fuel economies.
The purchases have introduced a new supplier to the Port in Liebherr, following a successful trial. The equipment has been fitted with the terminal’s Navis/ITS GPRS operating platform and is fully integrated with the existing fleet.
Peel Ports-Mersey’s engineering manager Brad Crumbleholme said: “The investment in the straddle carrier fleet comes against a backdrop of substantial asset replacements and upgrades at the Port, and in addition to the £300m investment in our planned deep water container terminal, Liverpool 2, which will be operational in 2015.
“Both straddle carrier models are able to stack three containers in height (1 over 2), with the Liebherr straddle carrier providing extendable twin-lift spreader capability.
“Improved fuel efficiency and a reduction in noise and hydraulic fluid requirements are just some of the benefits from the investment. These features are also consistent with our commitment to sustainable economic growth and our responsibility to the environment, as detailed in our corporate social responsibility report.
“The Port of Liverpool has worked closely with designers in Germany to enhance the standard design of the carriers, maximising safety and improving maintainability, ensuring the specification is aligned to the business’s strategic objectives.”
The investment in the straddle carriers comes amid a wider assets management strategy and investment programme at the Peel Ports Mersey, with a capital maintenance spend of £20 million in 2012, to support the continued growth in market share that Liverpool has enjoyed over recent years.