Fairview - big ship, big change

 The view of PSA's Fairview Cove container terminal is changing gradually as the oldest crane is gradually being dismantled. The crane has not been operable for some time, and is too small for some of the larger ships that are now calling, including today's arrival. Since PSA took over management of the facility last year they have been upgrading or replacing older equipment. There has been no announcement of another crane however, as the present complement seems to be able to handle the traffic.

Work on dismantling the old crane began in early January. As the above January 8 photo shows, it is much smaller than the other cranes. A large crawler crane (red colour) was positioned next to the old crane.

January 9 (above)

January 18 (above) a second crane was brought in.

January 19 (above), the second crane has a telescoping main boom and a fixed jib.

January 27 (above) work progresses after the outer boom is removed.

February 1 (above)

Rival terminal operator DP World has just received two cranes for its expanded Saint John NB pier (granted they are second hand cranes from Charleston SC, but they are long reach), and the Southend Atlantic Hub terminal will also be getting more cranes this year. 

Ships served at PSA Fairview Cove are limited in size due to restricted bridge clearances, and today's (February 1) arrival is just about as large as they can handle. (The ACLS ConRos are the largest ships).

NYK Virgo arrived on THE Alliance's EC5 service. Built in 2007 by Hyundai, Ulsan, it is a 97,825 gt, 103,284 dwt ship with a capacity of 9,012 TEU. It employed three tugs to make its way through the harbour to Bedford Basin and Fairview Cove.

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