KUALA LUMPUR: Northport (Malaysia) Bhd has signed an agreement to acquire four units of Super Post Panamax Container Handling Ship-To-Shore Gantry Crane (Quay Cranes) from Shanghai Zhenhua Heavy Industries Co Ltd (ZPMC).
The signing seals Northport's commitment to enhancing its terminal handling capabilities to efficiently serve larger and more advanced container vessels.
Two of these new Quay Cranes boast a 24-container outreach, twin-lift capability, and a lifting capacity of 65 tonnes, adding to Northport's existing cranes capable of handling ultra-large container vessels (ULCV).
Previously, on May 20, 2024, Northport welcomed the MV OOCL Japan, a ULCV with a capacity of 21,413 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs), the largest-ever container vessel to berth at its facilities.
Meanwhile, the other two new Quay Cranes feature an 18-container outreach, twin-lift handling capability, and a lifting capacity of 55 tonnes.
Manufacturing by ZPMC is set to commence in Dec 2024, with delivery to Northport expected in the second quarter of 2026 (2Q26).
Northport chief executive officer Fakhrul Azhar Tajudin said the acquisition of these new Quay Cranes complements the ongoing upgrading of Northport's Wharf 9, which is expected to be ready by 2Q26.
He added that this strategic investment will significantly enhance Northport's handling capacity and operational efficiency while reinforcing its commitment to technological innovation and safety.
"Our partnership with ZPMC aligns with our strategic goals under the 'Reinventing Northport' programme to continuously upgrade our infrastructure and facilities, ensuring the company remains relevant and capable of meeting our customers' evolving needs," he said in a statement.
The 'Reinventing Northport' program, initiated in 2016 following the takeover of Northport by MMC Corporation Bhd, aims to enhance terminal facilities, upgrade equipment, and strengthen Northport's competencies to improve customer satisfaction and drive business growth.