At the time of writing, five semi-automatic bridge cranes purchased for NIS 208 million are being installed at Ashdod Port. The cranes, equipped with advanced technology to assist in a rapid unloading and loading process, will be located in the new container terminal set up as part of the port's investment in the renovation and the upgrade of pier 21.
The ZENHUA36 cranes are produced by Chinese ZPCM, one of the world's leading manufacturers. The cranes are adapted to work with mega ships with a capacity of up to 24,000 TEU and will be used by Ashdod Port to handle non-standard and unusual containers and cargo. The cranes are 140.6 meters high in the raised arm position, and the marine arm length of the crane is 71 meters. The cranes are adapted to work with 62-meter-wide ships that carry about 24 rows of containers.
The cranes are capable of lifting exceptional loads with a total weight of up to 95 tons using a dedicated hook, and each of the cranes includes a TANDEM lifting device that allows for the removal of two full 40-foot containers with a total weight of 80 tons. In addition, the cranes include an option to be operated remotely from a control room using advanced camera and laser systems installed on the crane, and the option to operate semi-automatically when receiving commands directly from the TOS system. This enables the crane to carry out container related operations on a ship using the TOS system, whilst under the supervision of a crane operator.
The cranes, which were shipped from China in early February, arrived in Israel and are expected to be fully operational by September.
Shiko Janna, CEO of the Port of Ashdod, added:" The Port of Ashdod is constantly working to alleviate congestion created resulting from the global supply crisis that has disrupted the operation of the world's major ports since the outbreak of the corona pandemic. The bridge cranes, along with many other efforts, will help us reduce operational queues and promote technological improvements and, faster and more efficient management."
