STEVEDORE DP World Australia is to commission its ninth new super post-panamax ZPMC quay crane at Melbourne in coming weeks, completing an investment of more than $180m in specialist equipment during the past 18 months.
The new cranes are aimed at increasing efficiency, reliability and productivity as DPWA terminals prepare for the advent of larger vessels.
DPWA chief operating officer Max Kruse said latest technology and greater height clearance and outreach meant the cranes mean could work more efficiently, especially with larger vessels.
“We are the only operator able to work with vessels up to 10,500 TEU capacity at all our sites,” Mr Kruse said. “This unprecedented investment in infrastructure will help us better serve our customers and create a clear path for trade.
“The extra productivity delivered by the cranes helped power our growth of more than 8% in the past 12 months, four times CPI. The investment helps to secure the future of DPWA.”
DPWA took delivery of four cranes in March with one going to each of Brisbane and Sydney terminals and two to Melbourne.
The second shipment of five cranes began in September with one delivered to Fremantle, one to Brisbane, two to Sydney and one to Melbourne.
Four of the latest delivery of cranes are operating in Fremantle, Brisbane and Sydney.
The final one is to start working ships at Melbourne in mid-December.
Mr Kruse said DPWA had also invested in 20 straddle carriers at Melbourne terminal, 14 heavy forklifts and reach stackers at Brisbane, Sydney and Fremantle terminals and four rubber tyred gantries at Sydney terminal.
“In making this investment, we are consolidating the company’s sustainability into the future,” Mr Kruse said.
