November 5 - Kalmar, part of Cargotec, has completed the relocation of five ship-to-shore (STS) cranes for Transnet Port Terminals (TPT) in Durban, South Africa.
The project, which was the first of its kind in South Africa, required the movement of Noell and Liebherr STS cranes between the east and north quays, using self-propelled hydraulic platforms and transport beams.
The cranes were moved in order to help streamline operations at the port of Durban, which is one of Africa's largest container terminals with a total of 59 effective berths, and to facilitate the refurbishment of the equipment.
Eduardo Prat, vice president Kalmar South EMEA, explained the move: "The cranes had a transport bracket welded to each leg and are designed using finite elements analysis calculations by our engineering team. Once the transport beam was positioned, the transport platform hydraulic trailers suspended the weight of the crane, at which point real data was then compared with the original engineering calculations. This allows for any slight repositioning of the transport platforms in order to get the best position for the load distribution. The transport brackets do not affect the normal operation of the crane and can be left in position in case further relocation is required."
Kalmar acquired total ownership of the Spanish crane refurbishment and maintenance service company Mareiport in spring 2013, and is expanding its capabilities in Southern Europe, the Middle East and Africa.
"Our Crane Services team located in Algeciras, Spain, has developed highly specialist solutions for STS crane transportation, design-related modifications and major structural refurbishment work. Kalmar's expertise is now regularly called upon for all types and brands of crane," added Prat.
