Abu Dhabi Ports’ investments in new equipment improve efficiency of port operations
DOUBLE-DIGIT GROWTH IN GENERAL CARGO AND RORO DRIVES EQUIPMENT UPGRADE
Abu Dhabi Ports, the master developer, operator and manager of ports and Khalifa Industrial Zone in the Emirate, has procured a range of new advanced equipment this year as part of an ongoing upgrade to all of the general cargo and Roll-on-roll-off (RoRo) handling equipment at Khalifa Port and Zayed Port. The new equipment, including forklift trucks, terminal tractors, roll trailers and truck-mounted mobile cranes, will significantly enhance the efficiency and safety of port operations, and reduce vessel turnaround time.
These acquisitions are part of Abu Dhabi Ports’ continuous investment in equipment to better handle the increasing general cargo and RoRo volumes. The state-of-the-art equipment will ensure sustainable and reliable services and continue to improve customer satisfaction – one of the core objectives of Abu Dhabi Ports.
Apart from higher handling capacity, much of the new equipment also has an improved ergonomic design that provides equipment operators and drivers with better working comfort.
“Our double-digit growth in general and bulk cargo, and RoRo volumes in recent years have necessitated an upgrade of the existing equipment at Zayed Port and Khalifa Port. As we expect to maintain the growth in the coming years, the new equipment will help to improve our operational efficiency, productivity, to meet the surging demand from our customers,” said Gary Lemke, Executive Vice President of Abu Dhabi Ports.
Sixteen forklift trucks (FLTs) were the first equipment to arrive at Zayed Port. The new trucks, which have a lifting capacity ranging from three tons to fifteen tons, bring the total FLT fleet to over 30. Sixteen new terminal trucks are expected to arrive in February. With new additions, there will be over 30 terminal tractors in the two ports for general cargo and RoRo operations
Abu Dhabi Ports will also take delivery of 37 roll trailers. The new roll trailers will take the total number available to over 60. The new trailers will have the loading capacity of 80 tons and 120 tons. Eight truck-mounted mobile cranes are expected to arrive in April. This first batch of truck-mounted mobile cranes for Abu Dhabi Ports – four with lifting capacity of 100 tons and four with 70 tons – will offer improved mobility and manoeuvrability. They can be deployed at any port in the Abu Dhabi Ports portfolio.
In 2015, Abu Dhabi Ports purchased two new mobile harbour cranes with lifting capacity of 65 tons for general cargo operations in Zayed Port. Other new equipment purchased last year– three bucket grabs and two orange pearl grabs – have been facilitating smooth loading and unloading of bulk cargo.
