The Port of Felixstowe has received its most recent delivery of Automated Electric Rubber-Tyred Gantry cranes (AeRTGs).
This is part of a larger order from Konecranes for 17 electric cranes with a remote control option.
Robert Ashton, Chief Operating Officer of the Port of Felixstowe, said: “These new cranes are the latest stage of our drive to deliver first-class customer service, improve working conditions for our employees and remove carbon from our operations.
“We recently increased the maximum depth of berths at the port to 18 metres to increase our ability to accommodate the world’s largest container ships. That upgrade is complemented by these new cranes and the increased use of automated and remote-control technology to improve the efficiency and predictability of service we offer them.”
The new cranes are reportedly capable of lifting containers one-over-six high and span seven rows plus a roadway.
They are fully automated but will operate in semi-autonomous mode, with the lift to or from the carrying vehicle carried out remotely by an operator based in a newly renovated remote-control suite at the port.
The new cranes are being unloaded at the port’s Trinity Terminal before being moved to Berths 8 and 9.
The port noted that before entering service, each crane will undergo a commissioning process.
In October 2023, Hutchison Ports Port of Felixstowe completed a major dredging project at Berths 8 and 9, successfully enhancing accessibility for the world’s largest containerships.
