Cranes installed at Jeddah seaport

Cranes like this have found a new home in Jeddah, as part of the ongoing port works.

Global marine terminal operator DP World has announced the arrival at DP World Jeddah at Jeddah South Container Terminal (JSCT) of three new Super Post Panamax cranes.

The cranes can handle Super Post Panamax vessels, which carry 22 containers or more across their width and are therefore too large to travel through the Panama Canal.

The cranes are designed to lift 65 tonnes each and were manufactured by Shanghai Zhenhua Heavy Industry Co Ltd (ZPMC), China.

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In total 87 container cranes, including 27 post-panamax units, for loading the latest, widest ships and 60 RTG cranes will be delivered in a US $735m package.

Delivery is scheduled between now and 2010.

However, DP World is currently reviewing its expansion plans. The UAE government-controlled company has “implemented a strategy to focus on minimising the impact on margins and preserving cash,” according to chief financial officer Yuvraj Narayan.

“This includes reviewing our various expansion projects,” he said, adding that the company, which is one of the largest marine ports operators in the world, has also halted recruitment.

Meanwhile, crane firm ZPMC has recently established a base in Singapore as well as signing a deal in Spain with marine oil and gas explorer ADHK for supply of offshore engineering products.

The transaction, including 10 jack-up drill platforms, 7 land drill rigs, and 2 float cranes, was the largest sale contract of this kind to date in the country.