RTGs for SPA - Updated

PSA, operators of the Southend container terminal, known for fifty years as Halterm, but now called PSA Halifax, are continuing the previous operator's equipment replacement plan. Today (February 6) they took delivery of two new RTGs (rubber tired gantries). The units arrived in "ready to roll" status aboard the Netherlands flag Spuigracht, a member of the Spliethoff multi-purpose fleet.

Spuigracht is tucked in at pier 36 and prepares to unload .

Spuigracht, built in 2001 by the Porta shipyard in Szczecin, Poland, is equipped with three cranes each of different capacity, namely 150, 90 and 55 tonnes. The ship also has side ports and five 16 tonne sideloaders. One of eleven ships of the "S" class, it measures 16,639 gt, 21.349 dwt. 

RTG #79 is just about landed and #80 awaits its turn.

Interestingly PSA has continued Halterm's equipment numbering sequence. Rather than replacing old units with new units of the same number, it is apparently assigning new numbers to new units, but adding to the old sequence. The older units were built by ZPMC in China and the new units by Kone in Europe, and were loaded in Rotterdam..

In November PSA had the older RTG carrying number 78 demolished, see: http://shipfax.blogspot.com/2019/11/good-news-all-round.html

The newer Kone units, which Halterm started ordering a few years ago, can stack containers five high, whereas the older units could only reach four high.

Halterm was set up for four high stacking, including service platforms for reefers, but with new RTGs such as Kone number 76, they can go five high. 

Update#1
In the original post I did not mention the presence of what appeared to be private security, in a black unmarked car, staking out the driveway at the head of pier 36. I hope this is not a sign of things to come for PSA. 

Update#2
The latest delivery of RTGs have come a long way since the 1969. This 1 TEU version was the first of its type to be seen on the Halifax waterfront.

The chain operated straddle carrier was built by Clarke Equipment.

However PSA must be aware that modern terminal operators around the world are now using electrically operated RTGs. Some ports are even using automated/driverless technology to move containers in their terminals. Diesel RTGs are old technology, and will certainly have to be replaced before their "end of life" as ports will be forced to reduce their carbon footprint.

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