First 6 Electric RTGs Arrive at Turkey's Safiport

en.Wedoany.com Reported - On August 28, the first batch of 6 new-generation all-electric rubber-tired gantry cranes (RTGs) for Safiport Derince Port in Turkey arrived at the terminal aboard the MV XIANG FU. These units are part of the port's procurement of 12 new RTGs, and upon completion of all deliveries, Safiport's RTG fleet is planned to increase to 25 units. The new equipment features all-electric drive and is equipped with automation systems.

The arrival of these RTGs follows the delivery of 4 new ship-to-shore (STS) cranes. The 4 STS cranes were shipped from Dalian Port, China in August and arrived at Derince Port after approximately 75 days of sea transport, each with an outreach of 65.5 meters and a rated lifting capacity of 65 tons under the spreader. Once the new equipment is operational, the port's STS crane fleet will increase from 4 to 8 units, enabling it to serve next-generation large and ultra-large container vessels.

Safiport is simultaneously implementing infrastructure expansion of its container terminal. The main container berth length is planned to be extended from 700 meters to 1,200 meters. Upon completion of the overall investment plan, the total berth length in the port area is targeted at 2.5 kilometers, with a basin water depth of 18 meters. With the ongoing addition of new STS cranes, RTGs, and berth construction, the port plans to increase its annual container handling capacity from 750,000 TEU in 2026 to 1.5 million TEU in 2027.

In addition to container operations, Safiport's Phase 2 expansion also involves ro-ro, liquid chemical, and solid bulk cargo terminals. The company's published 2027 capacity targets show that the ro-ro terminal's annual handling capacity will increase from 700,000 to 1 million vehicles, the liquid chemical terminal from 500,000 to 1 million cubic meters, and the solid bulk cargo annual handling capacity from 6 million to 10 million tons.

Derince Port is currently operated by Safi Derince Uluslararası Liman İşletmeciliği A.Ş. Safi Holding previously obtained a 39-year operating right for the port and began operations in March 2015. Following the delivery of this first batch of 6 electric RTGs, the specific arrival time for the remaining 6 units has not yet been announced.