The Port of Salalah has welcomed the arrival of hybrid cranes intended to boost cargo handling efficiency.
Four new hybrid Rubber-Tyred Gantry (hRTG) cranes join 24 existing cranes at the Port of Salalah, including completely electric ship-to-shore (STS) assets.
In terms of sustainability, these new innovations provide complete lifting and driving power with faster turnaround times for container handling while using much less fuel than a conventionally powered RTG.
Shipping companies are growing interested in using the Port of Salalah as an alternative to route through the Cape of Good Hope.
The new assets employ a regenerative energy system which means each power unit’s running hours are much reduced, and they are a quieter option, which reduces sound pollution.
Furthermore, the cranes are fitted with Differential Global Positioning System (dGPS) and Position Determination System (PDS), which improves operating precision.
Operators will receive training to ensure they are comfortable using this new equipment, which is expected to be operational within a week.
The remaining eight hRTGs are expected to be operational by the end of November, bringing the terminal’s capacity to 6 million TEU by the end of the year.
In June, the Port of Salalah announced that its $300 million expansion plan is on track.
