EARLIER this year, Qube’s fully owned ISO Limited business in New Zealand commissioned four new Liebherr LHM 550 mobile harbour cranes.
The cranes were commissioned at the Port of Tauranga following a 37-day, 12,000 nautical mile voyage from Rostock, Germany via the Panama Canal.
Each crane weighs 472 tonnes with a boom length of 53 metres and dual outrigger pads that provide improved point loading distribution on the quayside.
The cranes can be remotely-controlled and feature an electric-hydraulic grapple. The grapples have a 35-tonne and 9.0-square-metre lift capacity, which makes them a world-first in terms of size and capacity.
According to Qube, the implementation of the LHM 550 cranes has improved safety significantly and now ISO can load vessels without employees on the wharf.
“The cranes significantly enhance Qube’s forestry and log marshalling services through ISO,” the company said.
“They represent a significant step change in safety with employees now operating the cranes remotely. Plus they are a world-first in terms of size and capacity.”
With a presence in 12 ports throughout New Zealand and locations in Australia, including Portland, ISO has more than 1000 experienced employees operating across its various sites and handles in excess of 14 million tonnes of cargo annually.
