New crane can move 20 boxes an hour at CT combi terminal

A NEW German-built, multi-purpose crane has been commissioned for use at Cape Town's combi terminal. The wheeled and fully mobile HMK 280 crane, of which some 150 are in use worldwide, is extremely flexible in its operation. Its diesel engine operates an electric drive system through two of the six axles, five axles of which are steerable.
In standard operation the crane can lift a 63t load and in heavy cargo operation 100 tons. Hoisting height is 30m above ground level and 15m below ground level.
The crane can be used at all berths in the port and can easily move containerised and non-containerised cargo from the quay to any kind of vessel. It will be able to move about 20 containers an hour at the combi terminal.
Manager of the multi-purpose terminal Tobie Louw said that the crane was part of the port's R37m upgrade programme at the terminal and would become an integral part of the port.
BY STEVE SAUNDERS