Port Elizabeth prepares for the citrus season

Photo: Liebherr

Two Liebherr LHM 600 cranes were transported from Rostock, Germany, to the South African Port Elizabeth Container Terminals (PECT), where they were unloaded from the transport vessel "Happy Dragon" after a 20-day journey. Just in time for the upcoming citrus fruit harvest.

Transnet Port Terminal recently suffered a significant setback, as one of their cranes was lost to gale force winds. According to Michelle Philips, Transnet's Acting Chief Executive, the new machinery arrived at a critical time when the company's nationwide terminals are giving priority to the movement of key goods in the Eastern Cape, South Africa and abroad.

Liebherr's LHM 600 mobile harbour cranes provide multi use capability. They can lift up to 104 tonnes and move up and down the quayside, as dictated by berth activity. The purchase agreement included a LiSIM training simulator, which helped the terminal’s staff to get to grips with the new equipment.

PECT has been in operation since 1963 and is one of the largest exporters of manganese in the country, as well as an automotive hub for the Eastern Cape region. The new cranes are part of a larger equipment investment and will come quite handy due to their ability to handle both New Panamax container and Capesize bulk vessels.