Asian Terminals Inc (ATI) has acquired several high-capacity container handlers as part of a 10-year development plan for the city's South Harbour container and stevedoring terminals.

The company has commissioned one post-panamax Mitsui-Paceco quay crane for ship-to-shore container transfers, two rubber-tyred gantry (RTG) cranes, one reach stacker and two sideloaders.

ATI last year announced a USD11 million, two-year upgrade for the 20-hectare South Harbour container yard, and the rehabilitation of one container port.

The expansion of only the northern part of the yard last year boosted stacking capacity by 3080 TEUs to 770,000 TEUs per year, a spokesman said. It also improved crane productivity and reduced truck turnaround times.

Room for a further 4080 TEUs will be added this year, and the harbour's empty container depot will be upgraded and expanded.