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3/29/2022
A pair of massive container cranes arrived late last week at the Port of Virginia’s Norfolk International Terminals (NIT) South.
The cranes are the final pieces of equipment needed to complete the South Berth’s $450 million optimization project. Built by Shanghai-based Zhenhua Heavy Industries Co. Ltd., the cranes are 170 feet tall and 59 feet wide, and reach a height of 446 feet with their boom raised.
"These cranes will expand our lift capacity, berth productivity and the ability to handle multiple [ultra-large container ships] simultaneously," said Stephen Edwards, CEO and executive director of the Virginia Port Authority, in a press release.
The cranes have the capacity reach across a vessel that's 26 containers wide, which is three to four containers beyond the reach of most conventional cranes. The new cranes will go into service in late May, giving the port 30 ship-to-shore cranes capable of handling ultra-large container vessels.
The port's cargo operations remained fluid in February, having handled more than 296,000 20-foot equivalent units — 48% of which was loaded cargo imports. February’s volume was more than 19% ahead of February 2021’s level. Total rail containers in February climbed 19.4% to 50,721 units.