PORT of Newcastle has commissioned its two new mobile harbour cranes as they prepare to commence cargo and container handling next month.

The Liebherr LHM 550 mobile harbour cranes arrived at the port early this month on general cargo ship UHL Fighter. They left Port of Rostock, Germany in June.

The cranes were officially opened on Monday 29 August by Port of Newcastle CEO Craig Carmody and Macquarie Group managing director and CEO Shemara Wikramanayake.

Mr Carmody said the $32 million crane investment marked a significant increase in an expanded and improved container, break-bulk and project cargo handling capability at the port.

“For Port of Newcastle, the arrival of the mobile harbour cranes marks a significant step forward in our aim to diversify for the future,” he said.

Ms Wikramanayake said diversification represents a significant opportunity for the port.

“As the gateway to the second largest city in New South Wales, the port will continue to play a key role in the future of the Hunter as a key region for economic growth,” she said.

Macquarie reportedly manages a 50% shareholding in the Port of Newcastle on behalf of investors and is assisting the port in a “strategic realignment” away from its historic reliance on coal exports.

The port partnered with Macquarie’s Green Investment Group in November last year to support the development of a hydrogen economy in the Hunter Region.

The first stage of a $3 million feasibility study into the development of a green hydrogen hub at the port has now been concluded.

“The new container and bulk services initiative, together with the broader clean energy precinct, represents a significant opportunity for the Hunter region to diversify, decarbonise and support the development of jobs in emerging industries,” Ms Wikramanayake said.

Mr Carmody said the official opening of the mobile harbour cranes was an opportunity to reflect on the shared vision of the two organisations.

“When you are known nationally and internationally as the ‘world’s largest coal port’ change is always going to be like turning a large cargo ship in the harbour, a measured transition in tandem with the broader economy, but with the right tools around you the end goal can be achieved,” he said.

The new cranes each have an outreach of 54 metres and a lifting capacity of 104 tonnes.

It is understood they have been undergoing tests at the port this past month.