Cargo Business Newswire

Friday, May 2, 2014

Super post-Panamax cranes latest in Port Newark terminal expansion

Port Newark Container Terminal has announced the imminent addition of three super post-Panamax ship-to-shore cranes to the facility. The cranes will up the terminal's capacity, enabling it to accommodate large post-Panamax vessels.

"PNCT has acquired three new ZMPC super-post-Panamax cranes, which are scheduled to arrive in early May, with commissioning completed by late August/early September," said James Pelliccio, PNCT president. "These cranes have significantly improved capabilities. They can accommodate some of the largest vessels that will be deployed in the U.S. trades post-Panama Canal expansion."

The cranes are capable of handling ships that carry 14,000 TEUs or more, are 22 wide and have a 65-ton twin 20' lifting capacity, according to Pelliccio.

PNCT is currently undergoing major improvements, including the development of additional acreage, berth deepening, dock improvement, queuing area expansion and upgrading capital equipment.

As one of the largest infrastructure projects in New Jersey, PNCT said it is investing more than $500 million for expansion plans before 2030, and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey will invest up to an additional $100 million.

The Port Authority also is expanding Port Newark Container Terminal's ExpressRail facility from two loading tracks to four, giving the terminal the ability to handle 250,000 rail boxes per year.

PNCT also has taken delivery of three new rail-specified, rubber-tired gantry cranes as part of the terminal's on-dock rail yard expansion. The ongoing rail yard expansion includes the doubling of rail track to 10,000 feet, to be completed this summer, and the completion of a flyover bridge.

"This project will allow one of our key port tenants to move its cargo into the market in a cost-effective and environmentally friendly way," said Richard M. Larrabee, Port Authority port commerce director. "We're proud of the phenomenal growth of our port rail business, which gives our port a competitive edge for international cargo with other ports on the East Coast."