APM Terminals Elizabeth in New Jersey, USA, took delivery of 4 STS cranes of the newest generation designed for operations on today’s largest container vessels, the port operator informs.
The cranes reach 23 containers across the vessel beam and constitute part of the facility’s USD 200 mln infrastructure investment plan scheduled for completion this year. The modernization plan for APM Terminals Elizabeth also includes reinforcing berths which have been dredged to 50 feet (15.25m) to handle the larger vessels.
“We are proud to offer our liner customers and landside customers this new service capability, increased productivity and deeper water depth, said APM Terminals North America CEO Wim Lagaay. “The completion of the dredging six months ahead of schedule was made possible by the dedication and proactivity of the Port Authority of NY / NJ working with Federal and State agencies, as well as other stakeholders to secure all the permits and contracts in record time. This will result in more berthing capacity for our liner customers at a time when cargo volumes continue to increase.”
In 2017, the Port of NY / NJ handled a combined 6.7 mln TEU, with APMT Elizabeth accounting for 1.43 mln TEU, or 21% of the port’s container volume.
Molly Campbell, Port Authority Port Director, says: “The multibillion dollar program to deepen our port channels to 50 feet, coupled with the raising of the Bayonne Bridge, has ensured that our port is ready to handle the biggest ships now calling on the East Coast. The arrival of these new cranes is further evidence that our terminal operators are confident on the port’s bright future and willing to invest in it.”
Another key benefit for landside customers of APMT Elizabeth will be the new, modernized gate facility for truckers to enter and exit the terminal safely and efficiently. The new, inbound gate complex offers 24 lanes fully-equipped with optical character recognition, radio frequency identification and GPS systems to help truckers find containers easier, CCTV for security, and weigh-in-motion scales to help truckers do more business every day through shorter turn times at the terminal.
