03-Jun-2003

[3 June 2003, SHENZHEN] Two new post-Panamax quay cranes and five Rubber-Tyred Gantry Cranes (RTGCs) were unloaded at Yantian International Container Terminals (YICT) this morning. This shipment is part of an order which includes an additional 13 RTGCs to be delivered in two weeks. The order was made last August in preparation for this year’s peak season. With the additional equipment, YICT will enhance both its vessel operation rate and the truck turnaround time. The end result will be faster overall container movement at the terminal.

Having an outreach of 52.5 metres and a lift capacity of 41 tons, the new post-Panamax quay cranes are capable of handling the world’s largest container vessels. The 18 “one-over-five” RTGCs will be used for moving laden containers within the container yard. The new equipment will be put into commission immediately upon arrival and is expected to become fully operational within ten days.

With this latest addition of equipment, the total number of quay cranes and RTGCs at YICT are 20 and 88, respectively. The acquisition is in line with the development programme at YICT, including an increased number of gatehouse lanes, an enlarged container yard and the implementation of the internal Process Innovation Initiatives (PII). This programme will ensure YICT is capable of successfully meeting the demand of the upcoming peak season.

To minimize the time required for the new equipment to enter operations and to ensure optimised equipment use, YICT had organised equipment training for maintenance crews prior to its arrival. Looking ahead, 10 quay cranes and 27 RTGCs are scheduled for delivery by the end of the year which will be installed at YICT Phase III.