Ports and Cargo Handling Services, the port operations arm of Nigerian Sifax Group, is a major player in port operations and related services on the West African coast. The company has over 750 meters of quay deck with berths handling both containers and general cargo. As container traffic is increasing, the organization is increasing yard capacity by investing in Konecranes RTGs.
“Konecranes’ RTG experience and its local presence played a big role in our selection process” says Dr Taiwo Afolabi, Group Executive Vice Chairman. “By choosing Konecranes, we are confident that the transition from reach stacker operation to RTG operation will be smooth and efficient.”
“We are delighted to receive this order from Sifax Group, a new customer for Konecranes” says Antoine Bosquet, Konecranes’ Sales Director, Port Cranes, region WEMEA. “When delivery of these RTGs to Sifax is complete, Konecranes will have 32 RTGs in operation in West Africa.”
The RTG cranes will be equipped with a new Konecranes cabin offering improved ergonomics and visibility. They will also be equipped with the latest DGPS-assisted technology for container yards including the Auto-steering feature. This keeps the crane on a pre-programmed, straight driving path, thus improving safety and increasing productivity. The RTG container positioning system is connected to the port’s terminal operating system ensuring correct, real-time container positioning and an accurate inventory. The all-electric, 16-wheel RTGs have a lifting capacity of 50 tons stacking 1-over-5 containers high and 7 plus truck lane wide.