The Port of Halifax and PSA Halifax have launched two electric rail-mounted gantry (RMG) cranes at the Atlantic Hub terminal.
The cranes are the first remotely operated yard cranes in Halifax.
Operators now control the cranes from a centralized control room. The system improves safety and working conditions by removing the need to work at height and in harsh weather.
The new cranes increase yard efficiency and improve cargo handling accuracy.
PSA Halifax said the electric equipment will reduce carbon emissions by at least 640 tonnes per year.
The investment is part of the Inter-Terminal Rail Solution Project led by the Halifax Port Authority and supported by Transport Canada.
The cranes will move containers between the Atlantic Hub and PSA Halifax Fairview Cove terminal.
The port expects the project to remove up to 75% of truck traffic linked to port operations from Halifax roads.
The expanded rail capacity will also support full container trains to Toronto, Montreal and other Canadian destinations.
“These new cranes are an investment in people and performance,” said Fulvio Fracassi, President and CEO of the Halifax Port Authority.
Duncan Glass, CEO of PSA Halifax, said the project improves rail reliability and supports sustainability goals.
