OREANDA-NEWS. July 08, 2013. Two new Liebherr LPS-180 gantry cranes were put in operation at the high-water berths of Dudinka seaport. This type of equipment is used for the first time. Previously, 11 self-propelled Kirovets cranes were used in the seaport.

According to Sergei Kryuchkov – acting Chief engineer of the Polar Transportation Division of MMC Norilsk Nickel, there are considerable differences between existing self-propelled cranes and gantry cranes: “self-propelled Kirovets cranes move from one site to the next. Gantry crane on the other hand moves along railway tracks and has a gap between the pillars for movement of rail cars. Its main advantage is that unlike self-propelled cranes it can transship cargo at the berth with limited working area”.

Carrying capacity of Liebherr cranes is 64 tones. Maximum working outreach – 35 meters. Both gantry cranes will be unloading general cargo, including containers, metalwork and timber.
Additionally, modernization of Kirovets cargo cranes is still underway. According to the management of Polar Transportation Division, contact relay electrical equipment is worn out. Equipment replacement shall improve corresponding technical characteristics and enable electronic variable frequency drive control.

Worn-out equipment replacement program includes replacement of 17 cranes in Dudinka seaport. Next shipment, including two additional Liebherr LPS-180 gantry cranes, is expected in November. Another two units of this type as well as one mobile crane are expected to be shipped at a later date. Additionally, it is planned to replace 10 Kirovets cranes.

Seaport equipment replacement program, aiming to introduce new transshipment mechanism worth RUB 1.3 bil. is planned to continue till 2016.