Large crane order expected for Mexican container terminal

Work on a new terminal at the Port of Lazaro Cardenas, Mexico is underway, with its operator looking to acquire a number of electric rubber tyred gantry and ship-to-shore cranes.

Plans to develop a new container terminal at the Port of Lazaro Cardenas, Mexico have been confirmed following a USD 900M deal between the Port Authority for the Port of Lazaro Cardenas (APILAC) and Hague, Hà lan-based APM Terminals.

The international terminal operator has signed a 32-year concession contract to design, build, operate and maintain the new terminal, and intends to purchase a range of lifting equipment including E-RTG cranes and ship-to-shore (STS) cranes.

Construction work for the USD 300M first phase of the project is expected to start by September this year. It will include a 43-hectare container yard, a 650m quay, a warehouse, an administration building, gates and modern on-dock rail facilities.

APM Terminals says that a package of seven Super Post-Panamax STS gantry cranes along with E-RTGs and other equipment will be needed for phase one, scheduled for completion in 2015.

Managing director of APM Terminals Lazaro Cardenas SA de CV, J.D. Nielsen, said: "This agreement shows our confidence in the future of the Mexican market. Our investment and expertise will help transform the nation's competitiveness through an efficient, integrated port and inland service network.

"We look forward to working closely with Mexican leaders and applaud their timing and vision for this vital infrastructure project."

APM Terminals has brought in Mexican design and build contractor Empresas ICA, which is also a minority shareholder in the concessionaire company.

The finished terminal will cover 102 hectares, with 1,485m of quay with a water depth of 16.5m.