Mobile crane specialist adapts to industry’s changing needs

David Wilkinson … ‘Further shifts in the handling of breakbulk cargo are likely as the relocation project of the present multi-purpose terminal at Island View to the Point area progresses.’
KEVIN MAYHEW HAVING IDENTIFIED in the early 90s the need for mobile shore-side cranage at a selection of berths around the port to ensure that berthing schedules could be more efficiently managed, Elcon has for many years provided solutions to the shipping fraternity. When the individual pieces to be shipped (granite, steel, vessels) exceeded 35 metric tons each, the company in 2003 invested R12 million in a 275-ton mobile crane to increase their capacity to 60 metric tons per piece for hold stowage or deck cargo. This big lifter, being efficient to set up, was well received and its bookings quickly exceeded expectation, according to a company spokesman. The local sugar and petro-chemical industries also added bookings for the crane. In April this year a twin second 275t crane was added to their fleet, which has to date enjoyed excellent support from the shipping fraternity in the few months it has been in operation, he added. This second machine, in addition to the 60 ton throughput, has provided the possibility of tandem lift options to feed the floating crane, or remove deck cargo with single piece loads up to 110 metric tons, under special and managed conditions. Managing director David Wilkinson believes that further shifts in the handling of breakbulk cargo are likely as the relocation project of the present multi-purpose terminal at Island View to the Point area progresses. This is scheduled for completion in late 2006/early 2007. Elcon, also operating in the Port of Richards Bay, is committed to continuously reviewing the changes in volumes and sizes of break bulk cargo requiring the use of mobile cranes that may require their services, he added.