Seatrade Maritime: DP World Posorja adds cranes for ultra-large ships

DP World Posorja has received two new gantry cranes, which are part of the port operator’s expansion project. The equipment has a reach of 68 metres, making it the longest-reach equipment in Ecuador.

With the new cranes, Posorja  will be able to handle ultra-large container ships (ULCS) up to 400 metres in length with a capacity of between 20,000 and 24,000 teu and 24 rows of containers, strengthening the terminal’s operations.

The Super Post-panamax cranes have a rail lift height of 51 metres.

The cranes are 100% electric, in line with the company’s decarbonisation strategy and its commitment to sustainable operations. With this addition, DP World Posorja will have six gantry cranes in operation by the end of 2025.

That is part of the $100 million expansion project which will reach a total quay length of 700 metres to simultaneously serve up to two post-Panamax vessels, increasing its operational capacity to 1.4 million teu.

“We continue to invest in Ecuadorian foreign trade. The acquisition of these cranes reflects our commitment to innovation and efficiency, as well as being part of the strategic growth we seek for the terminal and the country: a more connected Ecuador, through a world-class port,” said Carlos Merino, CEO of DP World Ecuador, Peru and Colombia.

DP World Posorja is also the most efficient port in Latin America and the Caribbean, ranking 21st worldwide in the Container Port Performance Index (CPPI) 2020 to 2024, compiled by the World Bank and S&P Global Market Intelligence.