HJ Shipbuilding & Construction (HJSC) has announced that its construction division has won the Busan New Port West Container Terminal Phase 2-6 Transfer Crane Installation Project.
Commissioned by the Busan Port Authority, this project follows Busan New Port Pier 7 (Phase 2-5), which became South Korea’s first completely automated terminal when it opened in April.
The international constructor was also involved in the project’s Phases 2-5, managing both construction and transfer crane installation.
The phase 2-6 project comprises constructing and installing 34 transfer cranes for a total construction cost of KRW 187 billion ($134 million) over 36 months.
Transfer cranes are systems designed to stack containers in yards or load/unload them onto automated guided vehicles (AGVs) or trailers.
It has reportedly been nearly two decades since locally constructed container cranes returned to Busan Port.
With the commencement of the phase 2-5 project, the Busan Port Authority chose to deploy domestic cranes to promote associated sectors in South Korea, protect automation technology, and prevent knowledge leaking abroad—all of which are significant concerns for the global port industry.
After installing 34 transfer cranes during phases 2-5 last year, the multinational constructor has now secured another contract for 34 transfer cranes in phases 2-6.
An official from HJSC said: “Despite the downturn in the construction market, we capitalised on our strengths in specialised fields during the bidding process, leading to a notable rise in contract awards compared to last year.
“In the second half, we will persist in building a solid foundation for growth by securing profitable and high-quality contracts.”
In June, HJSC clinched a $220 million deal with a European shipping company for two eco-friendly containerships, each capable of carrying 7,900 TEU.