February 26 - Increased orders for mobile harbour cranes (MHC) from Middle Eastern countries, including Qatar, are allowing Dusseldorf-based Gottwald Port Technology to strengthen its position in the region, says the company.

A second Gottwald MHC, a model 6, has been delivered to Qatar Petroleum at Mesaieed port. This crane joins the first, which was delivered in 2007. Both cranes are used for handling heavy lift and break bulk cargoes. The model 6 has been designed to suit terminals performing a significant number of heavy lift operations.

"We were very happy with a follow-up contract from Qatar. This confirms and strengthens our position in the Middle East, which has developed as a key market for us," said Dirk Stoll, Gottwald's regional director.

Since its opening in 1949, the port of Mesaieed has grown from being solely a crude loading terminal to a moderate-sized port handling oil products, liquefied gases, chemicals, fertiliser, bulk and general cargoes. The port is currently visited by around 2,100 ships each year.