Netherlands-based materials handling and port equipment supplier Forkliftcenter, has completed an equipment delivery to the remote island port of Rupert’s Bay in Saint Helena, as part of a project funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).

Forkliftcenter delivered a new Kalmar reach stacker and MAFI terminal tractor, together with trailers and accessories, to the port where it was assembled and deployed by Forkliftcenter's official regional partner for Southern Africa, Right Equipped Solutions, headquartered in Namibia. 

The equipment was successfully delivered to the island by Global Shipping Center (GSC), overcoming the logistical challenges of reaching one of the most remote ports in the world.

Forkliftcenter explains that Saint Helena, sitting in the middle of the South Atlantic Ocean, roughly 1,200 miles (1,931km) from the nearest coast of Africa, depends on its port for survival. 

“Containers carrying food and essential supplies arrive by ship just once a month, making reliable port equipment fundamental to the island's resilience,” Forkliftcenter states. “With the previous reach stackers having become unreliable, that monthly lifeline was increasingly at risk.”

Adriaan Vos, managing director Americas, Forkliftcenter, says of the delivery: “St Helena represents the 150th country to receive equipment from Forkliftcenter, making this a particularly proud moment for our team”.

Gillian Brooks, minister for Safety, Security and Home Affairs, St Helena Government adds: “The new equipment, funded by the UK Government, provides resilience to the Port and should improve the efficiency and effectiveness in cargo operations. Gaining support from suppliers such as Forkliftcenter is immensely appreciated and we look forward to hopefully working with them again in assisting us with our future equipment needs.”