Three of these cranes were options from the first contract, signed in January 2022, which recently saw delivery of three cranes.

These options have been converted into firm orders, with another three added on.

The three “option” cranes are slated for arrival in Q1 2024, and the other three in Q3 2024.

All the cranes can work ULCVs with deck stow up to 24 across and they have a SWL in twin 20 mode of 65 tonnes. The cranes are reportedly equipped with ZPMC’s own control systems.

As recently reported, XHEN HUA 23 unloaded the first three cranes in a matter of seven days before sailing up the coast to the Port of Naples to deliver a post-Panamax crane to Co.Na.Te.Co, another TiL affiliate. The new cranes at Medcenter should be operational in early April.

“TiL confirms its investment programme for Gioia Tauro already outlined in 2019, in order to make MCT the leading transhipment port in the Mediterranean, with six more cranes due next year together with six yard cranes,” said Paolo Maccarini, Terminal Director, TiL, and formerly Head of Terminal at Vecon in Porto Marghera (PSA Italy group).

Maccarini thus confirms what was earlier reported without confirmation that for the first time MCT, up to now a 100% straddle carrier-direct operation, is “densifying” by acquiring cranes for the CY, and they are understood to be RMGs, so considerable investment in civil works would be involved. The yard cranes will be installed at the back of the terminal and, in view of the travel distance, will probably have to be fed by terminal tractors.