16.04.2008

Work begins dismantling Felixtowe cranes

Work has started on cutting up the two quayside cranes damaged early last month when a ship loaded with new cranes smashed into them.See original story
The cranes were badly damaged at the Port of Felixstowe after a crane delivery ship loaded with new ship to shore cranes broke free from its moorings in strong winds.
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Work has begun dismantling the cranes

The ropes holding the 244 metre long Chinese ship Zhen Hua 23 at the Landguard Terminal in Felixstowe broke in 80mph winds. Large dock cranes on board the vessel collided with two container cranes on the dock side causing them to collapse like dominoes causing terminal damage.

Specialist demolition contractors have been brought in to Felixstowe port to dismantle the steel gantry cranes which is expected to take several weeks.

The contractors are employed by the port's insurers, who are now handling the whole issue of insurance claims, removal of the wrecked machinery and metal salvage.

Paul Davey speaking for the port, said: “We don't know how long the work is going to take but we are making preparations for re-opening Landguard Terminal again.

“The Zhen Hua 23 is to return to the port in a few weeks and will move two cranes from Trinity Terminal to Landguard so that it can again be fully operational.”

Meanwhile, Trinity will be boosted by having the three new cranes, which cost around £12 million, delivered last month - and which were on board when the ship crashed into the two that are written-off - which will mean that overall, the port will still have gained one extra crane. Another two new cranes are due to arrive in the middle of the year.