DP World Southampton to Expand Super Post-Panamax Capability

DP World Southampton is announcing plans to increase its capability to handle super post-panamax vessels.

The terminal has commenced discussions with suppliers with a view to ordering additional super post-panamax cranes (with 22 container outreach) which will operate alongside the other cranes of that class which were commissioned in 2008 and 2009.

The terminal has also commenced a programme of civil works to extend the (wider gauge) crane rail to the end of berth 204. These works are scheduled to be completed in the first quarter of next year and will enable the super-post-panamax cranes to operate along 1075m of the terminal’s deep-sea quayline (being 1350m in total).

As part of this upgrading process, the company will also decommission the three cranes which were suspended from operation, and have been parked up on berth 204, following the boom collapse accident in July this year.

Commenting on the investment programme - Campbell Mason, DP World Southampton Managing Director, said: 

“While our presently operating crane fleet has more than adequate capacity to handle current levels of demand, we will continue to invest in super post-panamax cranes to ensure that our handling capacity stays ahead of the anticipated growth in container volumes and that our operational capability expands to meet the increasing requirements of shipping lines. In parallel with the industry trend toward ever larger vessels, we must continue to invest in the equipment required to meet our customers’ growing needs.

Although the downturn in trade levels is extremely unwelcome, the spare capacity does enable us to press on with the civil works necessary to build for the future and cater for the much anticipated growth in demand.”