Kalmar, part of Cargotec, has clarified a press release issued on 24 September about a crane heightening project in the south of Spain.

Kalmar was commissioned by Shanghai Zhenhua Heavy Industries Co Ltd (ZPMC) to increase the operating height of four ship-to-shore (STS) cranes for APM Terminals Algeciras in southern Spain.

The project started in June this year, with the cranes returning to full operation in October 2013.

The STS cranes, originally provided by ZPMC, each had their height increased by 5.8 m (19 ft.). This provides APM Terminals with extra capacity to handle the new Triple-E vessels arriving at the port.

The modifications were undertaken by Kalmar's specialist crane services team located in Algeciras, Spain. The specialist technique involved the Kalmar team using a jacking system, which lifts the crane by the required height. A heightening construction was then inserted below the gross girders. To maintain the integrity and rigidity of the structure, the sill beam was strengthened through bracers, which were installed in the waterside portal frame.

Kalmar wants to clarify that ZPMC was the project's main contractor while it was one of the company's subcontractors.

ZPMC vice president Huang Qing-feng says the project is an "excellent example" of co-operation between companies working in the same field, with the goal to improve the efficiency of customers' operations. "The emerging large vessels have led to more demand for increased capacity of existing cranes. It is apparent that companies like ours and Kalmar had anticipated this development and that both companies are equipped for such undertakings.

"Both companies have been working with the client for many years, and the project in Spain shows co-existence and co-operation. We are all in the same pond, and the ultimate required result is customer satisfaction."??

ZPMC has a long-term relationship with Mareiport, which was acquired by Kalmar in May (Forkliftaction.com News #616) to expand its capabilities, especially in Southern Europe, the Middle East and Africa. The company is now operating as Kalmar's Mediterranean, Middle East and Africa Crane Refurbishment Competence Centre.

The acquisition is part of Kalmar's strategy to become a major global refurbishment and services provider.

ZPMC is a heavy-duty equipment manufacturer, producing predominantly ship-to-shore and yard gantry container cranes.