Thiruvananthapuram: The eagerly awaited arrival of cranes from China to Vizhinjam International Port may face delays due to adverse weather conditions. The much-anticipated first shipment from China is now expected to reach Vizhinjam in October, with a total of five ships scheduled to deliver essential cargo.
Valued at a staggering Rs. 1700 crore, the consignment includes one ‘ship to shore’ crane and two yard cranes, marking the initial phase of this crucial infrastructure development. However, the ambitious plan aims to receive a total of 16 cranes from China during the months of September and October. The Union Minister is set to arrive to personally oversee the receiving of the first ship in Vizhinjam.
The cranes are being manufactured from Shanghai Zhenhua Heavy Industries hold immense significance for Vizhinjam International Port as they play a pivotal role in streamlining cargo operations. A ‘ship-to-shore’ crane is a substantial piece of machinery used to efficiently unload and load containers from ships arriving at the berth, expediting the handling of goods and reducing turnaround times for vessels.
However, the installation and integration of these cranes are not a quick process. It typically takes at least three months to fix and calibrate these sophisticated machines to ensure seamless operations at the port.
In anticipation of the cranes’ arrival, representatives from Vizhinjam International Seaport Limited are gearing up for an inspection trip to China. During this visit, they will meticulously assess the cranes to ensure they meet the port’s specific requirements and standards. The CEO and assistant manager of the port will be among the officials allowed to visit China for this purpose.
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