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Far Reaching Extension to Port’s Crane Services |
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Wilmington, Delaware - Port of Wilmington, Delaware has completed the construction of a crane rail extension at Berth 1 on the Christina River this November. At a cost of $2 million the extension project included the construction of approximately 550 linear feet of individual crane rail and wharf improvements at Berth 1. This new extension will enable the Port’s gantry cranes to access Berth 1 and thereby enhance the Port’s discharge and loading capabilities of containers, break bulk, bulk, and special project cargoes. |
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The Port of Wilmington’s crane rail was built in the late 20s, and was 1000 feet long. In 1999, the Diamond State Port Corporation (DSPC) purchased and installed its second gantry crane at berth 3, primarily, to serve Dole Fresh Fruit Company’s weekly container vessels. The new crane C5, together with C4, the Port’s other gantry crane, serve all cargoes at Berth 3 and Berth 2. Now, with the extended rail the Port will be able to simultaneously handle two container or break-bulk vessels utilizing the Port's fifty-ton multi-purpose cranes C5 at Berth 2 or Berth 3, and C4 at Berth 1. Utilizing the vessel's gear as well as the Port's will result in greater flexibility in operations especially for Great White Fleet, Chiquita Fresh North America’s container carrier, when discharging its cargo of containerized bananas and other fresh fruit at Berth 1 across from Chiquita’s container yard. “The extension of the crane rail to Berth 1 is another value added service the Port of Wilmington has provided to Chiquita Fresh North America. This upgrade to the terminal infrastructure will improve the discharge rate of our vessels”, said Frank Vignuli, Chiquita Fresh North America Port Manager at the Port of Wilmington. “The extension of the crane rails will be particularly helpful during the winter months when there is generally a greater demand for the shore cranes due to increased container, steel and bulk volume”, said John Coulahan, president of Christina Stevedoring Services, Inc. Using the multi-purpose crane at Berth 1 will provide flexibility for both bulk shipments and special project cargo. Berth 1’s greater width also improves capability to stage cargo and to move it from shipside after discharge. In the past two years, Wilmington has been handling larger and more complex special project cargo, and the extended crane rail will expand its handling capacity. Cianbro Corp., of Pittsfield, Maine, won the bid for the Project, and work began in July. The extension included removing the concrete decking, excavation of the decking to the load distribution slab, coring 49x 24” cores through the load distribution slab, driving support piles to an average depth of 125 ft. to construct the support beams for the berth and the rail, replacement of the concrete deck and finally welding and installing of the crane rail. “We are very pleased with the extended crane rail and the new capabilities it provides our daily vessels operations”, said R. Adam McBride, DSPC Executive Director. “This investment maximizes the benefits of our berths and cranes on the Christina River”, he added. For
further information, digital photos, free tours of the Port and free
speakers contact: Vered Nohi-Becker, Marketing Services Manager
at the Port of Wilmington |
