ITS adding four large new container cranes to Long Beach terminal

“K” Line subsidiary says the cranes incorporate “soft landing” technology to boost productivity.    “K” Line said Tuesday that its International Transportation Service (ITS）subsidiary has placed an order for four large gantry cranes for its container terminal in Long Beach, Calif.
   The cranes, which will be built by the PACECO subsidiary of Mitsui Engineering and Shipbuilding, will be capable of reaching across 23 rows of containers and handle loading and discharging ultra-large container vessels (UCLVs).
   They will have new technology such as a “soft landing” system. “K” Line said, “With this system, crane automatically slows down or stops when approaching the container to be lifted. This system eases the crane driver’s handling and improves operational efficiency.” The company said the new cranes will provide higher quality service.
   Established in 1971, ITS operates terminals in Long Beach, supporting “K” Line’s transpacific containership services for more than 40 years. In 2014, Ports America acquired 30 percent of ITS’s shares. This partnership aims to further enhance and expand “K” Line’s container terminal business.
   ITS also owns Husky Terminal & Stevedoring in Tacoma, Wash.