Gregory Poole Lift Systems has delivered five new Hyster H450HD-EC Empty Container Handlers to the Virginia Port Authority.

Gregory Poole Lift Systems has delivered five new Hyster H450HD-EC Empty Container Handlers to the Virginia Port Authority, fulfilling the need for additional cargo-handling equipment to cope with increasing port volume.

The Port Authority has awarded Gregory Poole Lift Systems a 10-year contract to fulfill its empty container handler requirements.

"This long-term agreement with Gregory Poole and Hyster, who have been a reliable mainstay in The Port of Virginia for much time, is representative of our commitment to safety, quality, innovation and sustainability," says Bill Pierangelino, vice president, terminal support and engineering at Virginia International Terminals.

With the expansion of the Panama Canal almost complete, ports in the eastern United States are bracing for additional port traffic and increased cargo volumes. The Canal's expansion will allow passage of ships with up to 14,000 TEUs, almost three times the current 5,000 TEU capacity.

The Port of Virginia is the only east coast port with congressional authorisation for 55 ft. depth channels.

Gregory Poole Lift Systems is partnering with the Port Authority to provide materials handling equipment and services that address this increasing demand.

Three of the Hyster empty container handlers will be used at Pinners Point Container Yard and the other two will be used at Virginia International Terminals' location at Norfolk International Terminals.

"We value our longstanding relationship with the Virginia Port Authority as a full-service provider of materials handling equipment and services," says Hal Ingram, group vice president - lift systems, Gregory Poole Equipment Company. "We are committed to rightsizing their fleet with the most compatible equipment and working around the clock to maintain uptime and drive efficiency savings."

Based in Raleigh, North Carolina, Gregory Poole Lift Systems is a full-service provider of materials handling solutions throughout eastern North and South Carolina, Virginia and portions of West Virginia.