The Ashdod Port Company presents a significant achievement with the arrival of the largest crane in use in any Israeli port, which is due to start work in the port. This extraordinary operation begins with the entry of the huge crane, and the assembly is expected to be completed within two weeks. The crane cost about 9.5 million euros and the Port Company has the option to purchase a further 9 similar cranes.
The new crane made by ZPMC was manufactured in Shanghai and is arriving on a ZENHUA23 ship belonging to the Chinese crane manufacturer, which is a world leader in the field. The crane reaches to a height of 123.5 meters with its arm fully raised; it is designed to handle containers and abnormal loads, and to work with ships with a capacity of 18,000 TEU. The length of the crane's water side boom is 66 meters, suitable for ships with a width of 59 meters carrying 23 rows of containers.
This is one of the most technologically innovative and advanced cranes. It is equipped with electrical and control systems, with advanced capabilities to improve the output of large ships, including the option of semi-automatic operation, and a system to control damage. The crane has a system of cameras and optical readers that display container numbers automatically, plus a system of digital lights to assist in the rapid and precise placement of towing vehicles.
The crane is expected improve working speeds by about 15%, thus reducing the time required to load containers and cargo, and with an improvement of up to 30% in trolley speed (into and out of the ship). The crane can travel at up to 45 meters per minute.
It can lift about 65 tons of containers, and up to 95 tons of abnormal load, using a special hook, actions that were not possible until now, and are unique to Ashdod Port at present. Introduction of the crane will take a few days, and it is expected to be in use by July.
Orna Hozman Bechor, chairwoman of the Board of Directors of the Ashdod Port Company, added that "The introduction of the largest crane in Israeli ports puts Ashdod Port at the forefront of operations and technology, and will enable the company to continue providing the most advanced solution currently available in the field of marine cargo in Israel, with considerable improvement to the Port's output."
Yitzhak Blumenthal, CEO of the Ashdod Port Company, noted that "This is a unique operational project, which required long and intense preparation by everyone involved at the Port. The Ashdod Port Company stands for excellence and innovation, and the entry of Israel's largest crane expresses these values."