Departing from Abu Dhabi’s Khalifa port last April, the two quay gantry cranes (STS) and five park gantry cranes (RTG) were received on June 3 at the port of Owendo. Equipped with the latest automation technologies, this new equipment will allow Owendo container terminal (OCT) to take a big step forward in port exports. They will double the handling capacity of ships arriving at Owendo and optimize container storage space at the Terminal.
As part of the development of the activities of Owendo Container Terminal (OCT), the General Manager of this company, Laurent Goutard received on June 3, 2024 at the port of Owendo five park gantry cranes (RTG) and two quay gantry cranes (STS ). This strategic acquisition now brings OCT’s equipment fleet to a total of nine RTGs and four STS, strengthening the capacity and efficiency of the terminal’s port operations.
“ The acquisition of these seven latest generation gantry cranes is part of our investment strategy aimed at strengthening OCT’s operational efficiency and responding to the growth of containerized traffic in Gabon. This cutting-edge equipment will allow us to offer superior quality services to our customers, while contributing to the modernization and competitiveness of the Gabonese port sector ,” declared Laurent Goutard. This initiative, we learn, demonstrates OCT’s commitment to pursuing its mission of providing world-class port services, while supporting the economic development of Gabon through modern and efficient infrastructure.
The five new park gantries will be deployed on OCT’s most popular import park, replacing the “reach stackers”, after redevelopment work on the platform. This work, which will be spread over a period of 8 months, will allow the progressive installation of the equipment from August 2024. This cutting-edge equipment, equipped with a lifting speed twice that of existing and capable RTG to reach up to seven rows of containers, will significantly optimize the storage and handling of containers at the terminal. “ These are new generation equipment which are equipped with the latest automation technologies and which will allow us to take a big step forward in the port exports that we must do here at the port of Owendo ,” said Christian. Colin technical director of AGL Gabon.
The two new quay gantry cranes, manufactured by ZPMC, a world leader in port equipment, can now lift two containers simultaneously and reach a span of 20 rows on the ship, surpassing older models limited to 13 rows. With lifting speeds of 82 meters per minute, these STS gantry cranes will help reduce vessel turnaround time and streamline overall port operations. “ Compared to container traffic, in terms of deliveries we gain 30% in space in the import zone and in delivery time. A container that could be delivered in 30 minutes will be able to move from 30 to 17 minutes ,” explained Guy Roger Owora, OCT terminal manager.
This new equipment will be supported by local operators, recruited, trained and equipped by the company. “ We have recruited around forty young people, these young people will undergo specific training in the operation of specific equipment but also in the maintenance of this same equipment ,” explained Martial Bengone, director of human resources at OCT, indicating that the training will also concern the teams already present at the OCT level for better handling of this equipment.
