Konecranes Gottwald Mobile Harbor Cranes deliver flexible and reliable cargo handling solution to Fiji Port Terminal

 

Since 2006, Fiji Port Terminal has been operating three HMK 300 E Mobile Harbor Cranes, two at Suva and one at Lautoka, where they provide flexible and reliable handling of containers and general cargo. 

Konecranes Gottwald Mobile Harbor Cranes are a cost-effective solution for remote locations because they do not need the investment in infrastructure such as rails that a ship-to-shore gantry crane would require. 

“Reliable Mobile Harbor Cranes support and minimize complexities in port structures, as well as providing high levels of flexibility in handling of any kind of cargo,” says Mr Hasthika Dela, Chief Executive Officer, Fiji Ports Terminal Limited adds. 

“Similar to a gantry crane, a Mobile Harbor Crane is able to serve both container and break-bulk cargos as well as heavy payloads and bulk material. Mobile Harbor Cranes are efficient, easy to operate in confined environments and easily movable. These features are ideal for small and medium sized ports,” he said.

“The globally recognized brand, superiority in the industry, and competitive pricing encouraged us to partner with Konecranes and procure the Mobile Harbor Cranes which we are using currently.”

Fiji Port Terminal has also opted to retrofit each Mobile Harbor Crane with web reporting features, so that their condition and performance can be assessed digitally. “We are closely liaising with Konecranes global and regional headquarters as we upgrade each Mobile Harbor Crane with web reporting functionality, and we are always happy with their approach and efficient services rendered to us,” said Mr Dela.

Mr Kee Eng Pin, Konecranes Regional Service Manager, APAC, says that web reporting is an intelligent choice by Fiji Port Terminal, and is part of Konecranes’ evolved ports services offering. “Due to its remote location, it would be costly to station a technician there full-time. With constant remote monitoring, we can identify any future faults well in advance, and plan accordingly, including briefing the customer’s maintenance team on any technical aspects.” 

“Additionally, we typically send a technician to the customer’s site for annual inspections, to keep all equipment  totally safety compliant and to provide basic training to local technicians. Once the retrofits are completed, we can plan inspections to occur at the same time as repair works, to save the customer downtime and cost,” he said. “With such a remote location, the other challenge is always spare parts. Even finding equivalent spare parts can be a challenge. To provide maximum uptime and support to our customer, Konecranes is providing original parts.”

 

Repair and Optimize

Fiji Port Terminal took over the port operations in 2013, and took control of the cranes in 2018. They have been working cooperatively with Konecranes to modernize, retrofit and upgrade the Mobile Harbour Cranes to optimize their performance and reliability.

“Fiji Port Terminal is doing the responsible thing by ensuring all safety standards are met, and they are also looking to the future to see where efficiency can be gained by investing in technology and upgrades now. This forward-thinking approach is likely to save them costs and downtime in the future,” said Mr Kee.

Mr Dela has been impressed with the service provided, and says he would “recommend Konecranes Gottwald Mobile Harbor Cranes to other small and medium size ports, based on their requirements, as they are outstanding value for money, and immensely efficient and reliable.”