Stacking capacity boosted

HONG KONG international Terminals (HIT) is increasing its container stacking capacity by converting 15 rubber-tyred gantry cranes (RTGs).

A detailed evaluation showed that conversion was the best option, HIT crane maintenance manager Peter Yeung said.

'Delivery time for new, bigger RTGs was considered, along with how best to dispose of the old units.' The stacking conversion from one over four to one over five was achieved by adding an extension piece below the cross girder, he said.

Work is underway on the first two cranes and all 15 will be converted by July, Mr Yeung said.

The conversion is part of HIT's $1.5 billion investment to improve productivity at its container terminals.