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Charleston takes in 2 postpanamax cranes for Wando Welch Terminal

Time：2016-08-18 Browse：84 Author：RISINGSUN
THE South Carolina Ports Authority (SCPA) has taken delivery of two super postpanamax cranes produced by Shanghai Zhenhua Heavy Industry Co (ZPMC). The cranes provide 155 feet of lift height from the dock to enable SCPA to work bigger ships. 

The cranes will be located at the port of Charleston`s Wando Welch Terminal, which is spending US$44 million to strengthen and upgrade the wharf and infrastructure required for handling bigger vessels and cranes. SCPA expects to handle its first 14,000-TEU vessel call later this year.

Last month the SCPA board of directors approved the purchase of two additional cranes of this size for delivery at the end of 2017, coinciding with the completion of the wharf project, a statement from port authorities said. 

"Along with the Wando wharf strengthening project, the cranes will allow us to handle the upsizing of ships following the opening of the Panama Canal expansion in order to continue to meet the needs of our customers and enhance crane productivity," said SCPA president Jim Newsome.

Charleston offers the deepest harbour in the southeast, and upon completion of its deepening project to 52 feet, Charleston will be the deepest harbour on the US east coast. 

Beyond harbour deepening project, the SCPA has a 10-year, $1.3 billion capital expenditure plan that includes the construction of a new container terminal, the Leatherman Terminal, and the modernisation of existing facilities and technology.