Finland-based port automation solutions provider Kalmar, part of Cargotec, has been awarded the contract to heighten three ZPMC ship-to-shore (STS) cranes operated by DP World Antwerp Gateway NV as the terminal readies for more cargo as well as for larger vessels.

The order was booked in Cargotec’s 2016 first quarter order intake, and the project is scheduled for completion during the second quarter of 2017.

Kalmar is to be responsible for planning, engineering and execution of the heightening as well as commissioning of the project.

Under the project, the three cranes, operational since 2006, will be heightened by seven meters by inserting leg extensions underneath the portal beams and installing bolted flange junctions in the existing welded crane leg construction.

During the operation, the cranes are jacked up using specialized jacking towers and hydraulic jacks. The project will also involve structural reinforcements in crane travel and trolley travel direction.

“We were extremely happy with the results of the previous crane-heightening project that we concluded with Kalmar in 2016 and are confident that this next phase will also be completed smoothly and on schedule,” Jef Lambregts, Technical Manager at DP World Antwerp Gateway says.

“The professional planning and execution we provide in this kind of heightening project keeps disruption to the terminal’s operational efficiency to a minimum,” Erik Kocken, Manager, Crane Upgrades Projects at Kalmar comments.

In 2015, Kalmar conducted a similar heightening project at DPW Antwerp Gateway, having extended three Kalmar STS cranes with six meters.

The investment in crane extension comes as Antwerp prepares for the inauguration of the new Kieldrecht lock that will be held on June 10. The new lock is located at the end of Deurganck dock on the Left bank of the Scheldt and with a maritime connection between the Scheldt and the Waasland canal. Its construction started in November 2011.

With the new lock, the Port of Antwerp will be able to handle the increased size of modern ships, providing at the same time shorter waiting times for ships, more shipping traffic and faster routes for ships and for hinterland transport.