PSA Halifax - busy time (amended)

 The South End Container Terminal, operating as PSA Halifax Atlantic Gateway, is running full out despite some challenges.

One of those challenges appears to be a non-functioning* container crane. One of the two new cranes delivered in November 2023 has been in the down position for some time and does not seem to be in use.*

Fortunately it is the northernmost crane (far left in the photo) and does not prevent ships from docking. (Cranes must be in the up position if ships are to come alongside beneath them.) The remaining six cranes are doing all the work, which in the last few days has been heavy.

Yesterday (April 2) the CMA CGM A. Lincoln arrived at Pier 41, and would normally have used the crane, but managed without. The ship was loaded very high as usual and requires the larger cranes.

For a time the CMA CGM A. Lincoln held the title of largest container ship to call in Halifax. The 14,414 TEU ship was built in 2017 by Hyundai, Ulsan with a grt of 140,872 and deadweight tonnage of 148,992 dwt. Its record has since been eclipsed by a ship of the Explorer class, CMA CGM Marco Polo at 175,546 gy,187,625 dwt and 16,020 TEU.

When the ship sailed this afternoon, April 3, in a brief snow shower, it still appears that no containers were loaded at the very stern where the crane in question would have been used.

The two small cranes at the southern berth (called Pier 42) were all that was needed to complete unloading the MSC Sao Paulo V (see previous post) leaving the remaining four cranes to work the larger ship.

Later this afternoon the14,026 TEU ONE Blue Jay took the Pier 41 berth. 

* Addendum April 4:

The container crane was operational April 4 loading the MSC Shristi.

 

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