Terminals must think big

Port and terminal operators need to update their crane equipment and reinforce their quays in readiness for the next generation of ultra-large container vessels (ULCV), according to Halfdan Ross, APM Terminals Crane & Engineering Services managing director.

Ross was speaking at the recent TOC Container Supply Chain Asia Conference in Hong Kong where he addressed the topic Terminal Planning & Operations: Driving New Performance Efficiencies. He looked at the issues surrounding the larger vessels entering into service and the cranes expected to accommodate them.

Studies have been completed on the feasibility of constructing container ships of 22,000 TEU (tonne equivalent unit) capacity. Ross called for the industry to plan ahead to create cranes and other infrastructure support to accommodate such vessels and their container volumes.

As of 1 February 2012 there were 153 container ships on order with capacities in excess of 10,000 TEU, including 20 of the 18,000 TEU capacity EEE Class vessels ordered by Maersk Line, the first of which is expected for delivery in 2013. There are 121 vessels of 10,000 TEU capacity and above in service worldwide.

"There are issues of structural stiffness, weight, visibility and wind load which all must be taken into account with cranes of such dimensions, along with the question of upgrading existing equipment or installing new cranes entirely," Ross explained.

Improved engineering and camera-assisted and remote-controlled crane operations were some of the solutions presented.

In 2012 APM Terminals is expanding and developing 16 terminal projects. The port and inland operator has 55 operating port facilities in 36 countries and provides Inland Services operations in more than 150 locations in 46 countries.