New mobile cranes will boost Durban's heavy lift capability

A NEW R11 million mobile crane arrived last week (8 July) for Durban's Combi terminal. A second mobile crane for the terminal is on order.
The new crane will be assembled on Pier 1 over the next three weeks, after which it will go into service offloading container and general cargo vessels. The new equipment gives the combi terminal additional flexibility as well as heavy lift capability of up to 215 tons. The telescopic 6 - 12 metre spreader can also be fitted with an electrically controlled grab for drybulk discharge.
Heavy haul transporters have long complained that Durban lacked heavy lift capability, except for the floating crane. While this was out of commission last year with a cracked jib they were forced to consider diverting extra heavy loads to Cape Town. This particular crane was originally scheduled for Cape Town but has now been re-routed to Durban.
According to Portnet, Italian crane drivers and technicians from the Italian manufacturer Reggiane have arrived in the country to train Portnet personnel in driver and maintenance skills.
By Terry Hutson