£25 Million Ship-to-Shore Crane Arrives at Port of Greenock, Scotland

A £25 million ship-to-shore crane has arrived at the Port of Greenock in Scotland, marking a significant investment to boost productivity and accommodate rising cargo demand. The 932-tonne structure, built by Liebherr, was transported from Cork, Ireland, and will be fully operational later this year after installation and testing.

This crane is the first of two new structures, with the second expected to arrive in the coming weeks or months. The cranes will help accommodate increased demand from cargo owners, support growth in transatlantic trade, and future-proof the port. The new infrastructure has already secured new routes, including a weekly deep sea container service connecting Scotland to the Mediterranean market of Turkey.

Jim McSporran, port director at Peel Ports Clydeport, expressed his enthusiasm about the arrival: *"It's a really special moment to welcome the first of our two new cranes to the Port of Greenock. These two structures will be transformational for the port, significantly expanding our freight capabilities here, and we're all really excited for having them fully operational later this year."*

The crane was delivered by the heavy-lift vessel Jumbo Jubilee after a one-day passage from Cork Harbour. It was assembled shore-side by Doyle Shipping Group before being transported to Greenock. The cranes will be named 'U-Crane Bolt' and 'Craner Swift' following a naming competition with local schoolchildren.

Why this matters: This investment in the Port of Greenock's infrastructure has significant implications for the region's economy and trade connections. The increased productivity and capacity will likely lead to job creation, increased trade volumes, and strengthened relationships with international partners.

The £25 million investment is the largest single investment made at the container terminal. This follows a recent £20 million investment in a new cruise ship visitor centre at the neighbouring Greenock Ocean Terminal. The new cranes will boost efficiency, bring more opportunities for global connections, and strengthen the port's position as a major hub for importers and exporters.

Once installed, the cranes will significantly enhance the port's capabilities, supporting growth in transatlantic trade and future-proofing the port for years to come. "Once installed, they will also boost efficiency and bring more opportunities for global connections and worldwide trade into Greenock, further strengthening our position as a major port for importers and exporters," McSporran added.

The arrival of these cranes marks a significant moment for the Port of Greenock, setting the stage for increased productivity and expanded global trade connections.

Key Takeaways

• £25m ship-to-shore crane arrives at Port of Greenock, Scotland.
• Crane will boost productivity and accommodate rising cargo demand.
• Second crane expected to arrive in coming weeks or months.
• New infrastructure secures new routes, including Turkey container service.
• Investment to create jobs, increase trade volumes, and strengthen global connections.