Kalmar undertakes ship-to-shore crane heightening for APM Terminals in Spain
Kalmar, part of Cargotec, has been commissioned by the Shanghai Zhenhua Heavy Industries Co. Ltd (ZPMC), to increase the operating height of four ship-to-shore (STS) cranes for APM Terminals Algeciras in southern Spain. The project has started in June this year, with the cranes returning to full operation in just four months, in October 2013, the Company said in a press release.
The STS cranes, originally provided by ZPMC, will each have their height increased by 5.8 metres by Kalmar. This will provide APM Terminals considerable extra capacity to handle the new Triple-E vessels arriving at the port. The modifications will be undertaken by Kalmar's specialist crane services team located in Algeciras, Spain, who have developed innovative systems to handle this highly technical procedure.
The specialist technique involves the Kalmar team using a jacking system which lifts the crane by the required height. A heightening construction is then inserted below the gross girders. In order to maintain the integrity and rigidity of the structure the sill beam is strengthened through bracers which are installed in the waterside portal frame.
Eduardo Prat, Vice President, Kalmar South EMEA says, "Like many ports, Port of Algeciras is seeing a significant increase in the size of ships and this means they need to find innovative solutions to increase their port side handling capacity. Increasing the STS crane height provides an expedient and cost-effective answer to boosting the crane capacity. Kalmar's expertise is unequalled in this type of procedure. These huge structures require precision handling and engineering safety is naturally of paramount importance. We have been working closely with APM Terminals for many years and I'm happy that we can support the leading terminal operator in Spain with our expertise across a wide range of brands and types of crane, not just Kalmar equipment."
Kalmar's strategic intent is to become a major global refurbishment and services provider. It acquired total ownership in the Spanish crane refurbishment and maintenance service company Mareiport, S.A. in spring 2013 to expand its capabilities especially in Southern Europe, Middle East and Africa. The company is now operating as Kalmar's Mediterranean, Middle East and Africa Crane Refurbishment Competence Centre.
