Port acquires US$2.8M crane

In its thrust to make the Port of Port-of-Spain the trans-shipment hub of the Caribbean, the Port Authority of TT yesterday revealed that the port’s latest acquisition — the Gottwald Mobile Harbour Crane had arrived at the PoS docks.

The crane, which was purchased from Gottwald Port Technology of Germany at a cost of US$2.8 million, is expected to dramatically improve the port’s operating capacity, as it is able to operate at a speed of 30 containers per hour. PATT’s public relations manager, Betty Ann Gibbons, said this would “improve productivity and ships’ turnaround time.” The Gottwald is fully computerised and equipped with cameras and monitors enabling its operators to view inside the ship, while its flexibility allows it to service from Berth 4 to Berth 6 quite easily. Employees of the Port’s Crane Maintenance Department were recently accommodated by Gottwald Port Technology where they were trained in its maintenance. Operators were accommodated in Jamaica where they received training at Port Services Ltd. Gibbons said that German engineers are presently at the Port to commence assembling the crane, assisted by qualified and experienced Port employees.