June 27 - Inchcape Shipping Services (ISS) has worked as agents for ZPMC for its breakbulk carrier, Zhen Hua 25, to manage discharge of four STS cranes at Algeciras port in Spain.

The cranes are the largest of their type anywhere in the world, and were brought onshore, ready for commissioning.

They are over 100 m in height and will be used at the APM Terminal, specifically to service new Triple E Class container ships.  

The cranes originated in Shanghai, with the voyage to Algeciras taking 50 days days, and the port call taking eight days.

Julian Isola, ISS operations manager for Algeciras and Iberia said:  "We first arranged the entry clearance with the Harbour Master and liaised with all parties, including the pilots and the tugs. The vessel had to continually adjust her drafts during the crane discharge, in order to ensure proper stability of the vessel, so we also shared these plans accordingly.

"Daily weather updates were provided by ISS Algeciras in case extra tug assistance was required during the discharge but, due to favourable swell and wind conditions, the discharge was quick and effective."

www.iss-shipping.com