Manufactured by Shanghai Zhenhua Heavy Industry Co. (ZPMC) and with a reach of up to 17 rows across, the new post-Panamax cranes can service vessels of up to 6,000 TEUs and are part of port operator’s International Container Terminal Services’ (ICTSI) ongoing programme to strengthen and enhance the overall operational efficiency at Papua New Guinea’s leading container terminal.

The delivery means the port is now capable of handling larger box ships. With the new equipment, shipping lines can expect quayside productivity gains and shorter port stays.

“With improved productivity, the Port of Lae will soon become an important transshipment hub for the Pacific Islands region,” said Robert Maxwell, ICTSI South Pacific CEO.

“It is our hope that this new equipment will further sustain Papua New Guinea’s economic growth and expanding international trade over the coming years.”

Once the STS cranes are deployed, one of the mobile harbour cranes currently at SPICT will be transferred to Papua New Guinea’s Motukea International Terminal (MIT) in Port Moresby.

Two additional rubber-tyred gantry cranes are expected to arrive at the SPICT in 2023.

ICTSI South Pacific sent several of its employees from the SPICT and MIT to train at ICTSI’s Manila International Container Terminal in the Philippines to enhance their familiarity on operating the new STS cranes and improve their management and supervision capabilities.

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