Aqaba Container Terminal (ACT) has enhanced its operations with the acquisition of a new ship-to-shore (STS) gantry crane, valued at $13m.
The company unveiled the crane at a celebratory event at the port site, attended by His Excellency Nayef Hamidi Al-Fayez, Chief Commissioner at Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA), Hussein Safadi, CEO of Aqaba Development Company, along with local officials, key stakeholders, and company employees.
The crane, designed for handling the largest vessels in the industry, features a quay-trolley height of 56m, a 71m outreach, and a lifting capacity of up to 100 tons.
Equipped with the latest safety and automation technology, the crane includes advanced scanners to survey vessel shapes, avoiding collisions during handling.
It can position containers precisely, reduce swaying during lifts, and autonomously detect maintenance requirements. Operated remotely and supported by a full camera system, the crane enhances productivity with its fully automated fly path.
This new acquisition is part of a larger modernisation initiative at ACT. APM Terminals and ADC have signed an agreement to extend the current concession until 2046.
This initiative aims to expand the terminal’s capacity by adding an annual throughput of 180,000 TEU and accommodating the largest 400m container vessels.
During the unveiling event, HE Nayef Hamidi Al-Fayez said: “Today’s celebration is not only about receiving advanced equipment, but also reflects the depth of our ongoing collaboration with our partners in the operation and management of the port.”
Al-Fayez explained that enhancing the capabilities of the container terminal and incorporating modern, environmentally friendly equipment aligns with ASEZA’s 2024–2028 strategy, which aims to establish a ‘green port’ as part of a broader vision for a ‘green city’ in Aqaba.
He added that this approach seeks to reduce carbon emissions and rely on alternative energy sources for operations, thereby boosting Aqaba’s competitiveness as a regional logistics hub and reaffirming a commitment to sustainable growth in line with national and international climate goals.
