Port of Newcastle will receive a $28.4-million investment in two LHM 550 mobile harbour cranes, plus associated infrastructure, at the Port’s Mayfield 4 berth.
The contract to supply the cranes has been awarded to German company, Liebherr, with the mobile harbour cranes enhancing the Port’s project cargo, general cargo and container handling capacity.
Port of Newcastle’s Executive Manager Trade & Business Development, Paul Brown, said the mobile harbour cranes will increase efficiency at the Port and provide an enhanced alternative for customers currently moving both oversized equipment and containerised cargoes through the East Coast’s capital city ports.
“Our customers already benefit from Port of Newcastle’s uncongested road, dedicated freight rail and berth access and this investment will enable both existing and new customers to utilise the Port’s infrastructure to move their oversized equipment and containerised cargo even more efficiently through Newcastle than they currently can,” Mr Brown said.
“Port of Newcastle is excited about this upgrade to our Mayfield 4 berth service offering.
“Our team look forward to working with customers and new trades alike to identify how the mobile harbour cranes service can benefit their supply chain, improve efficiency and further support their ability to successfully compete in international markets.”
The two brand new Liebherr LHM 550 cranes will be built in Germany, featuring the latest lift assistance systems, provided to ensure improved material handling, precise control over load movement and safer lifts.
The new cranes will be capable of handling a diverse mix of project cargo, including wind turbines, mining equipment, timber, steel coils and transformers, and will have access to rail sidings, upgraded internal roads and the ability to handle oversized trucks.
The cranes will also have the capability to work in tandem for heavy lifts and lift two 20’ or one 40’ container in a single move.
Port of Newcastle CEO, Craig Carmody, said the investment in mobile harbour cranes was part of the Port’s long-term diversification plans to better meet the demands of customers.
“As the Hunter’s trade gateway to the world, the mobile harbour crane investment will enable the Port to leverage the full use of our abundant channel, rail, road and land capacity to accommodate existing and new trade and ensure the Port of Newcastle is best placed to meet the demands of customers into the future,” Mr Carmody said.
“Naturally, we would also like to be announcing the next stage in our game changing $2.4-billion Multi-purpose Deepwater Terminal project. Although we are not presently in that position, Port of Newcastle’s goals are unwavering.”
Mr Carmody said the Port of Newcastle is focused on seizing opportunities that will create a broad mix of trade opportunities, to support local industry, boost jobs in addition to the 9000 positions the Port directly and indirectly supports now and build a prosperous local, state and national economy.
Port of Newcastle’s Mobile Harbour Cranes are expected to arrive in mid-2022.
