Los Angeles port’s APM Terminals Pier 400 has made a significant leap in accommodating larger vessels with the arrival of three advanced cranes.
These new cranes promise to cut up to 14 hours off the time needed to service each vessel, significantly boosting efficiency and preparing the terminal for future demands.
As global trade grows and ships increase in size to improve operational efficiency, APM Terminals aims to follow the trend by upgrading its crane fleet. The newly delivered ship-to-shore (STS) cranes, which replace smaller models, are designed to handle the largest vessels currently calling on the United States West Coast, as well as those anticipated in the future.
“Every container we handle represents jobs, commerce and growth. These cranes aren’t just machines; they are investments in the economy of Los Angeles and the broader US supply chain,” stated Jon Poelma, APM Terminals Pier 400 Managing Director.
Transported aboard the carrier vessel Zhen Hua 26, the cranes completed a 30-day journey across the Pacific Ocean. Each crane features a boom extending 68 meters, allowing operators to access up to 23 container rows without the need to switch equipment. This capability enables faster load and unload times, saving as much as 14 hours per vessel.
Nicknamed the “triplets,” the cranes stand 89 meters tall and can manage ships with capacities of up to 18,000 TEUs. They are capable of lifting up to 100 tons and are expected to complete 100,000 cargo lifts annually throughout their 20+ year operational lifespan.
Once operational, these new additions to the infrastructure means that the terminal can operate at full capacity on larger ships while keeping other, smaller cranes available. This will optimize the terminal’s 19-strong crane fleet for the benefit of both shipping lines and landside customers.
