Ashdod boasts the largest ship-to-shore crane in Israel

Ashdod Port has received the largest ship-to-shore (STS) crane in Israel and 15 new forklifts, representing a combined total investment of approximately USD16 million, as it improves its operational facility.

Manufactured in Shanghai by ZPMC, the crane is designed to handle ships with a capacity of 18,000 TEUs and it is expected to improve working speeds by about 15%, with an improvement of up to 30% in trolley speed.

Orna Hozman Bechor, chairwoman of the board of directors at the Ashdod Port Company, says the introduction of the largest STS crane to Israeli ports "puts Ashdod Port at the forefront of operations and technology".

The USD10.6 million crane is one of the most technologically advanced on the market, as it is equipped with electrical and control systems and includes the option of semi-automatic operation and a system to control damage.

In the upgrade, eight 16 T forklifts were purchased to replace the existing fleet of 12 T forklifts. The forklifts, purchased from Kalmar, have unique specifications that are suited to the port’s operational needs which aims to improve efficiency in the work process, according to a port statement.