Seattle port gains more super-size cranes; Georgia ports set annual cargo records

The Port of Seattle recently announced its Terminal 18 now sports three more super-post Panamax cranes, which will enable the facility to handle the world’s largest container vessels. Three of the large cranes previously were delivered to the terminal, which is operated by SSA Terminals L.L.C., in December 2011.

Considered the world’s largest container-handling cranes, the super-post Panamax cranes are 267 feet high and can accommodate vessels carrying up to 18,000 20-foot equivalent units (TEUs), port officials said in a prepared statement. The cranes feature a reach of 24 containers wide and can lift container loads weighing up to 65 long tons.
 
“SSA is making Terminal 18 big-ship ready for the next generation of ocean-going vessels,” said Port Commission President Gael Tarleton, adding that the port last year handled more than 2 million TEUs.

Meanwhile, the Georgia Ports Authority (GPA) announced its two ports set records for total tonnage, containers and auto volume in fiscal-year 2012, which ended June 30. The ports in Brunswick and Savannah boosted overall tonnage by 561,038 tons to 26.5 million tons.



Breakbulk cargo rose 15.6 percent versus FY2011 to 2.5 million units. The Port of Savannah handled 2,982,467 TEUs, up 1.9 percent, and the Port of Brunswick posted auto and machinery volume growth exceeding 19 percent. In addition, the ports registered 569,984 roll-on/roll-off units moved across all terminals.

“Strong growth in breakbulk and auto cargoes complemented record volumes in total tonnage and container traffic,” said GPA Executive Director Curtis Foltz in a prepared statement.