April 20, 2004

New Stacking Cranes, Improvements Total $7 million

Konecranes of Finland will again supply Charleston's rubber tired gantry (RTG) cranes, which allow the port to increase land utilization, boost vessel productivity, and minimize trucker turn times. Charleston already has 21 Kone RTGs in operation.

Management recommended Konecranes for a number of reasons, including a larger inside clear span, a faster pace of operation, greater operator control of anti-sway and established spare parts inventory.

The 16-wheel RTGs have a 50-ton lifting capacity, a 59-foot lifting height and a 75-foot span. This allows operators to move a container over a stack of containers five-high and six-wide, plus the truck lane.

In other action at the Ports Authority's monthly Board meeting, Transworld, Inc. was awarded a project in the amount of $543,601 for radio frequency infrastructure improvements at the Wando Welch Terminal.

Additionally, a project to improve stormwater drainage at the Columubs Street Terminal was approved for Truluck Construction Company in the amount of $406,392.

Finally, the Board authorized the Development Committee to begin discussions related to sale of the Port Royal Railroad right-of-way. The right-of-way property includes all land owned by the Authority between Yemassee and Ribaut Road in Port Royal. The Development Committee will bring the results of their efforts to the Board for further action.