Savannah's 4 super postpanamax operational, brings GPA total to 27

ALL four of the super postpanamax ship-to-shore cranes at Savannah are fully operational and have increased the Georgia Ports Authority's (GPA) count to 27 cranes, which include nine postpanamax and 16 super postpanamax cranes. 

The cranes arrived on the Maersk specialised vessel, the 5,618-TEU Nedlloyd Hudson early June. They were raised onto booms, electrical and machinery housings were installed. On-site work also included elevator installation and final wiring. 

"Our new cranes, coupled with the pending harbour deepening and superior road and rail connections mean the Port of Savannah is poised to take advantage of the next evolution in global commerce," said GPA executive director Curtis Foltz. 

The first of the new cranes went into service in August, with additional cranes coming online every few weeks. The fourth new super postpanamax crane has begun moving cargo. Each new crane can lift up to 65 tons. 

GPA chief operating officer Griff Lynch said its 27 cranes will support the introduction of larger vessels from current 4,500-TEU vessels to 9,000 TEU and continue to maintain Savannah's immediate handling at berth rather than wait for leased berth spaces to open. 

The ship-to-shore cranes will be "operating over 9,700 feet of contiguous berth space, allowing faster turn times, saving time and money", Mr Lynch said.