They have a 23-container outreach and can work multiple ultra-large container vessels (ULCVs) and neo-Panamax vessels simultaneously.
As two of the eventual sextuplets (the other four are due next year) these replacement cranes will be set to work at Port Elizabeth’s 6,000ft (1,830m) quay. Of the terminal’s total of 14 cranes, ten will be of this new model.
The first two, riding in on the heavy load carrier, the Zhen Hua 29, made their way from China, to Houston, to Elizabeth.
APM Terminals’ independent business arm – Crane & Engineering Services (CES) – is based in Shanghai, a home to harbour crane and equipment manufacturers, including ZPMC, and it works side by side with ZMPC to perform design reviews, quality management and inspections, project management and commissioning work for every crane in all APM Terminals’ terminals.
“We are the only company that is permanently based at ZPMC’s production bases in Changxing Island and Nantong,” said Lu Gang, head of project management and commission with CES, and a strategic delivery expert in the ports, maritime, heavy industry and terminals sector.
“We are also the only third-party inspection company that provides dedicated commissioning supervision and acceptance in the factory and on site, ensuring that all cranes properly function as specified. We work to the highest standards of reliability and quality management – and that has remained consistent even with the huge ramp up in our productivity,” he said.
Lu Gang was referring to the fact that approaching 100 STS cranes passed through the Shanghai operational hub in the past 12 months – as the industry continues to redress the balance of investments and equipment post Covid-19 – whereas CES might ordinarily handle 20-25 STS cranes per year.
CES said the increase was achieved with only a minimal increase in the number of employees.
The level of commitment to the task of supplying terminal equipment continued even during lockdown, when CES employees were effectively locked in the ZPMC factories for three months due to stringent local health regulations.
“Our colleagues didn’t see friends and family for three months – they lived, ate, worked and slept in the factory. But our teams never relented in their dedication to the job and in their commitment to deliver on APM Terminal’s customer commitments,” said Lu Gang.
Far from diminishing team spirit, the CES frontline has emerged more buoyant than ever before, the company said.
“Our Employee Engagement Survey result is top quartile, and our attrition level is close to zero,” added Gang.
Many of the cranes leaving the Shanghai yard now were worked on over the lockdown period.
“When we see them leave the island, ready to take on work in every corner of the world, it is a moment of profound pride for us all. We put brain, heart, and soul into every one,” said Lu Gang.
