DP World will decommission cranes

DP World will decommission cranes    DP World said it will decommission three cranes at its terminal in Southampton. The cranes have been idle since this summer after a crane of similar design collapsed while working a containership.
   The operator of that crane was severely injured when the crane collapsed onto the ship he was working. Another accident involving a Morris crane at the same terminal occurred in January 2008, but no one was injured in that accident. The Morris-built cranes had reportedly been modified, raised and their booms extended.
   The terminal said it has commenced discussions with suppliers with a view to ordering additional super post-Panamax cranes, but did not say how many cranes will be ordered.
   'While our presently operating crane fleet has more than adequate capacity to handle current levels of demand, we will continue to invest in super post-Panamax cranes to ensure that our handling capacity stays ahead of the anticipated growth in container volumes and that our operational capability expands to meet the increasing requirements of shipping lines,” said Campbell Mason, DP World Southampton managing director. “In parallel with the industry trend toward ever larger vessels, we must continue to invest in the equipment required to meet our customers' growing needs.”