The Port of Thessaloniki in Greece has received two new specially designed New Panamax ship to shore (STS) cranes with a lifting capacity of 65 tons and 50 tons in twin-lift mode and in single-lift mode, respectively.
With the arrival of the new equipment on 2 May, there are now six STS cranes at the Container Terminal of the Greek port.
The new STS cranes enable the Port of Thessaloniki to directly serve main liner vessels, with a capacity of over 10,000 TEU (New Panamax), according to a statement.
Along with the expansion of Pier 6, the installation of additional STS cranes at the Container Terminal is planned, further enhancing the role of Thessaloniki as an important gateway for trade between Asia and Southeast and Central Europe.
“With the two new specially designed New Panamax STS cranes for the Port of Thessaloniki, with a total value of €15.7 million (US$16.5 million), more than 80% of the company’s Mandatory Investments in equipment is completed,” stressed the executive chairman of the board of directors of ThPA S.A., Thanos Liagkos.
The new equipment is expected to upgrade the port services, optimise the container handling service levels, double the production capacity of the Container Terminal, and improve the port’s competitiveness.
“The unloading of the cranes and their installation at Pier 6 is expected to be completed within seven days, while they are estimated to be delivered in a fully functional and operational capacity in early July this year”, stated the managing director and CEO of ThPA S.A., Franco Nicola Cupolo.
