Saudi Arabia’s King Abdullah Port (KAP) is set to boost its annual container throughput capacity to 5m TEU as the port has received 28 Liebherr cranes. Now, technical experts are assembling the cranes, which are expected to begin operations at the beginning of 2020, as part of the container terminal’s expansion.
The decision for the cranes came through a MoU signed with National Container Terminal on the day the port was officially inaugurated in the presence of the Crown Prince HRH Prince Mohammad bin Salman last February.
Specifically, the new cranes consist of 20 gantry cranes and 8 ship-to-shore (STS) cranes, the biggest of their kind, with an outreach of 70 metres on 25 rows, with the capability to serve mega-sized containerships.
In addition, the gantry cranes are able to handle 7 containers height and are equipped with a unique eight-rope reeving system as well as built-in, anti-sway and anti-skew features resulting in unparalleled rigidity and optimum productivity.
In general, the King Abdullah Port saw a 36% increase during 2018, maintaining its position as the second largest port in the Kingdom in terms of container handling.
According to the port’s statement, it is the region’s first port to be operating under the private sector, by the Ports Development Company.
