New forklift stacker streamlines port activities

THE ARRIVAL of the giant new forklift-stacker in Walvis Bay harbour midway through last year has proved a most valuable asset at a time when container movements through the port have reached an all-time high, says Jerome Mouton, Namport’s marketing and strategic development manager. Container growth has risen by more than 25% during the past year while total cargo handled in both Walvis Bay and Luderitz has exceeded 10% compared to previous years’ figures. Apart from container handling, the new forklift is also being used for the handling of breakbulk cargo, enhancing Walvis Bay’s status as a multi-purpose port, he says. “In fact, the purchase of new equipment for both harbours is intended to provide flexibility and mobility of cargo handling operations. “Being a multipurpose piece of equipment, this forklift truck with detachable container spreader is capable of lifting 45 tons on the forks or a 38 ton container under the spreader. It can handle up to 20 containers an hour within the container terminal, which includes stacking, de-stacking and the movement of containers for the weighing operation.”