Two remote-controlled Ship-to-Shore (STS) cranes and 10 hybrid-Rubber-Tyred Gantry (RTG) cranes have been delivered to the Red Sea Gateway Terminal (RSGT). The cranes are said to have cost $35m and are said to be the next step in the planned expansion of the Jeddah Port facility, to double annual container throughput capacity to 5.2m TEUs by 2023.
The new 65-tonne twin-lift capacity STS cranes can accommodate the latest generation of Ultra-Large Container Ships (ULCS) of 24,000+ TEU capacity, with a 70m reach and a 52m height, the statement said.
“This is another key milestone in RSGT’s commitment and continuous investment to enhance our world-class terminal services. As well as increase the efficiency and capability to meet the different levels of customer needs for next-generation vessels,” stated RSGT CEO Jens Floe.
The statement said that RSGT is the only terminal at the Port of Jeddah capable of accommodating the ULCS class mega-ships. The STS cranes are said to feature advanced technology such as remote control and optical character scanning capabilities, chassis alignment and automatic landing systems, vessel profiling, gantry, and trolley positioning systems, and intelligent status condition monitoring systems.
The new hybrid-RTGs will enhance environmentally sustainable terminal and yard operations by automatically switching to battery power from diesel power to optimise efficiency by reducing fuel consumption and harmful greenhouse gas emissions during container handling operations. By 2023, RSGT will deploy 24 Super Post-Panamax quay cranes, 67 Rubber-Tyred Gantry Cranes (RTGs), the statement explained.
Floe added, “RSGT is the largest logistics gateway and the largest container terminal in Saudi Arabia, and on the Red Sea. Our goal is to attract and grow the regional transshipment business through continuing providing world-class service to our customer’s vessels and hinterland supply chain.”
Plans are underway for a total investment of $1.7bn on infrastructure, equipment, and improvements in line with RSGT’S commitment to Jeddah’s future, ultimately increasing annual container throughput capacity to 8.8m TEUs, the statement concluded.
