The crane has a waterside outreach of 51.5m, a span of 31.37m and a landside backreach of 14m. The S.W.L. of the crane is 65 tonnes under twin lift spreader with a lift height of 38m under spreader. The addition of this Crane to the Exolgan fleet will bring to 8, the total number of Liebherr STS cranes at the port. Speaking about developments at the port, Liebherr’s sales and marketing manager Gerry Bunyan commented. “Liebherr are delighted to announce the supply of this STS crane to Exolgan Container Terminal. It highlights our continued strong working relationship. We supplied Exolgan their first Liebherr STS crane in 1994 and since then we have worked with them as they developed into one of South America’s leading ports capable of servicing the largest vessels.”

  “The study released today clearly shows that the deepening of the Savannah port will produce powerful economic benefits to the nation and to Georgia,” said Georgia Governor Nathan Deal. “Today marks an important milestone for the Army Corps of Engineers, the State of Georgia and the great number of Americans who will benefit from the project.”

In the studies released by the Corps, the project is estimated to cost $652 million and will provide $174 million in annual net benefits to the nation. For every dollar spent on this critical infrastructure improvement, 5.5 dollars will be returned in benefits to the nation, the Corps’ studies showed.

“This study has been a model of collaboration among a wide array of stakeholders – at local, state, and federal levels,” said Major General Todd Semonite, commander of the Corps of Engineers’ South Atlantic Division. “It has been a great pleasure to be on this team as it worked diligently through difficult issues to come up with a plan which balances the complex engineering, economic, and environmental aspects of the Savannah Harbor Expansion Project. It is an impressive achievement.”

During a press conference, the USACE announced that the SHEP will increase the depth of the Savannah River by an additional five feet to 47 feet at mean low water. “We all know how critical this extra depth is to the ability of our nation to move cargo efficiently,” said Curtis Foltz, GPA’s Executive Director. “The depth, along with an average seven foot tide, strikes the right balance between the needs of our industry and the environment of the Savannah River. Nearly 40 percent of the project cost is dedicated to environmental mitigation, preservation of cultural resources or the improvements to river access for the public.”  

Elected officials and business leaders throughout the region heralded the news today (please see quotes below) as a critical step forward in attracting investment and retaining jobs and business. “Today’s announcement brings to an end 15 years of exhaustive due diligence,” said Alec Poitevint, GPA’s Chairman of the Board. “With this important step forward, we are closer to putting in place infrastructure that will create economic opportunities across many industries and state lines. Companies relocate to and expand in the Southeastern United States knowing that the Port of Savannah is the fourth busiest and single largest container terminal in the U.S.”

During the news conference, Corps leaders urged the general public to communicate their support for the project to leadership throughout the country. Additional information regarding the details off the SHEP can be found at www.sas.usace.ary.mil/SHEP.  

Year-to-date, the port has handled 478,069 TEUs vs. 472,665 TEUs handled during the same period last year. Also in March breakbulk totals increased to 32,011 tons, an 8.6 percent increase when compared with totals from last March. The year-to-date breakbulk tonnage comparison (2012 vs. 2011) is 94,387 tons vs. 74,565 tons. Total rail containers handled in March totaled 31,532, a 12.5 percent increase when compared with last March. The year-to-date rail containers total is 87,750 vs. 79,485 for the same period last year.  The number of containers moved between the Port of Richmond and the Hampton Roads Harbor on the 64 Express barge service increased 114 percent in March to 779 containers. The year-to-date total for the barge is up 118.7 percent: 2,220 containers vs. 1,015 containers handled during the same period in 2011.

Calendar year TEU totals, 2012 vs. 2011:

March 2012 = 166,719

March 2011 = 159,754

February 2012 = 157,050

February 2011 = 153,646

January 2012 = 154,300

January 2011 = 159,265

The Singapore base will be the corporate headquarters for IHC Offshore & Marine’s South East Asia businesses as it further expands its footprint in the region. IHC Merwede already has an IHC Parts & Services office in Jurong, which manages its life-cycle support operations. The new venture will focus on promoting IHC Merwede’s Offshore & Marine vessels and technology solutions. In addition, it aims to secure building capacity to complement its yards in The Netherlands and add to the considerable marine engineering capability already operating under the company’s umbrella. Regional CEO Denis Welch says, “IHC Merwede is not just a shipbuilder per se, but also an aggregation of engineering and manufacturing companies, which combines to provide unique and value-added solutions to its customers.” The new office – located at the PSA Building, 460 Alexander Road – was the venue for the official opening party attended by HE Mr Johannes W. Jansing, Ambassador for the Kingdom of The Netherlands, as well as business partners and industry leaders. IHC Merwede’s President Govert Hamers says, “With Denis Welch’s appointment in place and the new office now established, we are ready to accelerate our growth in Asia. Having our Sout East Asia corporate headquarters in Singapore is a big part of our global strategy. “We are happy to increase our commitment to Asia. It is a major international maritime oil and gas hub and has the necessary infrastructure in place. As our Asian customers come to benefit from our customised and technological solutions, plans are already in place to expand the company in the region.”