Abu Dhabi Ports procures new equipment for RORO, general cargo
Equipment includes forklift trucks, terminal tractors, roll trailers
Abu Dhabi Ports has procured a new range of equipment to handle general and roll-on-roll-off (RORO) cargo at the Khalifa Port and Zayed Port in the UAE capital.
The new equipment – which includes forklift trucks, terminal tractors, roll trailers and truck-mounted mobile cranes – is set to enhance the efficiency and safety of port operations while reducing vessel turnaround time.
Apart from higher handling capacity, much of the new equipment is also said to have an improved ergonomic design for the comfort of equipment operators and drivers.
“Our double-digit growth in general and bulk cargo, and RORO volumes in recent years have necessitated an upgrade of the existing equipment at Zayed Port and Khalifa Port,” said Gary Lemke, executive vice president of Abu Dhabi Ports.
“As we expect to maintain the growth in the coming years, the new equipment will help to improve our operational efficiency [and] productivity, to meet the surging demand from our customers.”
Sixteen forklift trucks (FLTs) were the first equipment to arrive at Zayed Port. The new trucks, which have a lifting capacity ranging from 3-15t, bring the total FLT fleet to over 30. Sixteen new terminal trucks are also expected to arrive this month. With new additions, there will be over 30 terminal tractors in the two ports for general cargo and RORO operations.
Abu Dhabi Ports will also take delivery of 37 new roll trailers, which will take the total number available to over 60. The new trailers will have a loading capacity of 80-120t.
Moreover, eight truck-mounted mobile cranes – four with lifting capacity of 100t and four with 70t capacity – are expected to arrive in April. They can be deployed at any port operated by Abu Dhabi Ports.
Last year, the port operator also purchased two new mobile harbour cranes with lifting capacity of 65t for general cargo operations in Zayed Port.
