Five mega cranes, each over 50 metres high, have arrived at the Europa Terminal in the Port of Antwerp. The cranes, owned by port operator PSA Antwerp, have been especially built to cope with the world's largest container ships. ‘This is an important step forward in the further expansion of the terminal,’ the PSA says.
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Port of Antwerp welcomes new mega cranes to process the world's largest container ships
Colin Clapson
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These are ship-to-shore (STS) cranes, i.e. cranes that load and unload containers between the ship and the terminal. According to the PSA, these are the largest STS cranes ever ordered for the port of Antwerp.
Once installed, the cranes will stand 52 metres high. They have a reach of 71.8 metres, enabling them to process ships that can stack freight up to 26 containers wide.
Safer and more environmentally friendly
The cranes will also be safer for port workers. A raised platform will ensure that workers are separated from traffic at the terminal.
Finally, according to the PSA, the cranes are also more environmentally friendly. They are equipped with energy-efficient electric drives, reducing overall energy consumption and emissions during loading and unloading.
Part of a larger project to renovate Europa Terminal
The arrival of the cranes is part of a larger project called “Project Emerald”. PSA Antwerp and the Port of Antwerp-Bruges are working together to renovate the Europa Terminal. In addition to the arrival of the mega cranes, a new quay will also ensure that the largest container ships in the world can be handled here.
The cranes are expected to be operational from this summer onwards.