Ashdod Port is presently completing the second section of one of its more complex operational projects to upgrade Platform 21. Over a billion shekels is being invested in Platform 21, including upgrading the platform and making it deeper, making adjustments on the backend, purchasing and transferring cranes, etc. This is a significant strategic process that is being performed in order to allow for megaships to dock, as part of the extensive investments that the company's Board of Directors approved and management implemented as part of the preparation for upcoming competition.
The upgrade of the eastern side of the platform, with a length of about 320 meters, was completed over the last few days and roll on/roll off ships began to unload at the platform.
The first ship to arrive at the platform belongs to Neptune, unloading imported vehicles from Europe.
Ashdod Port accelerated the completion of work on the eastern side in order to make additional platforms accessible for the unloading of ships, as part of the effort to address the high demand at ports in Israel and globally.
The total length of Platform 21 is 850 meters. This will allow large container ships, with a length of about 400 meters and a capacity of up to 24 thousand containers, to dock at the port. The upgrade also includes making the eastern side of the platform deeper – about 17.5 meters – and reinforcing it so that it can support cranes weighing 130 tons; with the western side reaching a depth of about 16 meters - suitable for large grain ships. About 300 million shekels is being invested in setting up an advanced grain conveyor, which includes an unloader for grain and grain products.
Shiko Zana, CEO of Ashdod Port: “ As part of the various steps we are taking to help solve the crisis, in addition to extending the employment of temporary workers, we moved up the opening of the eastern section of Platform 21, which is being upgraded so that additional ships can dock. When the work is completed, Platform 21 will be one of the most advanced platforms in Israel for unloading grain and container ships, meeting the highest international standards. The massive investment in the project includes upgrading the water line so that cranes with an improved capacity can be installed, as well as the infrastructure for cranes that can lift two containers at once. The work is expected to be completed during the second half of the year."