North Carolina Ports announced that its third neo-Panamax crane arrived at the port of Wilmington after a three-month voyage from Shanghai, China. The new crane, Nhen Hua 25, is the same with the two other neo-Panamax units that arrived in the North Carolina Ports in March 2018.
Specifically, according to the port’s statement, the addition of the new machine will allow Wilmington to accommodate 14.000 TEU ultra-large container vessels (ULCVs), the biggest ships currently visiting the US East Coast.
The thee units were constructed by port equipment leader Shanghai Zhenhua Heavy Industry Co., Ltd. (ZPMC) and the total cost reached the US $33.8 million.
Brian E. Clark, Chief Operating Officer at North Carolina Ports stated that the arrival of the third crane represents the continuous infrastructure improvement plans NC Ports has in its agenda to improve the terminal in Wilmington.
The advancements we’re making with our cranes, container terminal and gate complex are paving the way for monumental growth at the Port of Wilmington and allowing us to efficiently accommodate our growing customer base.
… E. Clark commented.
The $200 million capital improvement plan will include a wider turning basin for vessels arriving and departing the port, berth enhancements, and a larger fleet of new neo-Panamax cranes.
Concluding, North Carolina Ports have on their agenda terminal renovations at the Port of Wilmington that will double the port’s annual throughput capacity to 1.2 million TEU and triple refrigerated container capacity to 1,000 plugs, as well.
