On March 19, Guangzhou Port Nansha Phase III Project ushered in “monster” members - four 65t-73m remote-controlled semi-automated quay cranes (hereinafter referred to as “quay cranes”). The quay cranes have an extension distance of 73 meters, a lifting height of 52 meters on rails and a rated load of 65 tons. They are currently the largest quay cranes in the ports of the Greater Bay Area, with a certain surplus capacity in unloading the largest container vessels in the world. The launching of the 4 new quay cranes is expected to increase the handling capacity for the Nansha Phase III Project by 800,000 TEU per year.

It is learned that the new quay cranes have a larger operating range and more excellent performance as well as the world-leading technology. The quay cranes can be operated either in the driver’s cab or by means of the advanced remote semi-automated control technology, auto-focusing high-definition cameras, high-precision scanner and automatic control technology; with the functions of automatic bay change and automatic container alignment to achieve semi-automated intelligent handling operations; with a truck positioning system and a vehicle number recognition system to realize remote semi-automated operation of the lanes. The driver can realize remote operation at the control center instead of operations in crane cab. Under the premise of ensuring the efficiency and safety of the operation, it greatly reduces the labor intensity, training time and entry barriers of the crane driver.

To reduce the berthing time of 4 quay cranes at the port and improve the utilization rate of berths, the personnel responsible for the Nansha Phase III Project make arrangements in advance, hold meetings to formulate a safe and efficient ship unloading plan, and adopt measures for pandemic prevention and control, safe operation and emergency contigency plan. Unloading job will be completed within 6 days. And commissioning will be completed in late April before they are put into operation.

It is learned that Nansha Phase III is currently accelerating terminal expansion project. The first phase of the reserved yard automation project has been completed, equipped with 8 automated rail-mounted gantry cranes; 40% of the second phase of the reserved yard automation project has been completed, and another 11 automated rail-mounted gantry cranes are expected to arrive at the port in July this year. With the 4 quay cranes, the automated handling capacity of Nansha Port Area will be further enhanced. (Zhao Xin)