Chinese port equipment manufacturer ZMPC has dispatched the final batch of ship-to-shore (STS) cranes to Sri Lanka’s Colombo East Container Terminal, as part of a project enabling the terminal to accommodate larger and more diverse vessel types.
The fourth batch of cranes, three quay cranes and the automated rail-mounted gantry cranes, are being carried on Zhenhua 28.
Manufactured and delivered by ZPMC, the cranes are part of a $282m investment, which includes 12 ship-to-shore cranes and 40 ARMG cranes. The quay cranes stand 95 metres tall, with a lifting heigh of 55 metres above the rail and 20 metres below. The ARMG cranes can handle 40 tonne loads.
The port expansion project is part of Sri Lanka Ports Authority’s efforts to strengthen its maritime hub position in the Indian Ocean. Phase I of the terminal has been operational since October 2020, and phase II project began in 2022, constructed by China Harbour Engineering and Access Engineering PLC.
Once fully operational by mid-2025, the terminal is expected to handle up to 3.5m teu annually.
The departure follows a busy period for ZMPC at the Port of Colombo. Operations recently began at Colombo West International Terminal, the first fully automated deepwater terminal at the port, equipped with three ZMPC STS cranes, eight ARMGs, and 17 intelligent guided vehicles.
ZMPC also announced the successful completion of the Hainan Yangpu International Container Hub port expansion project, with the delivery and entry into operation of the first batch of eight quay cranes and 23 rubber-tyred gantry cranes (RTGs). In total, ZPMC will deliver 14 intelligent quay cranes and 42 RTGs for Hainan Free Trade Port.
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