The new crane will fr-om September 2018 on contribute to a significant improvement of efficiency and increase capacity of Warrenpoint’s handling activities. It forms part of a major drive to facilitate continued growth in trade at Northern Ireland’s second largest port.

Clare Guinness, CEO, Warrenpoint, commented: “The new crane will ensure we continue to deliver high standards of customer service and help us attract new business to grow annual throughput to over 4 million tons. It will allow for increased capacity and efficiency through speedier loading and unloading of goods and reduced downtime. This is the first part of a new significant investment plan at the Port, following the publishing of our Masterplan as we gear up for trade in the post-Brexit era.”

Neil Griffiths, Regional Sales & Service Director, Konecranes Port Solutions, explains: “Warrenpoint is the fourth biggest port on the island of Ireland and serves both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. Warrenpoint currently operates five Konecranes Gottwald Mobile Harbor Cranes, and we are proud that they have again opted for our eco-efficient technology to support their long-term growth. The new crane will help Warrenpoint to further benefit fr-om the port’s advantageous geographic situation close to the border with the Republic of Ireland.”

Warrenpoint, which in 2017 handled a record 3.56 million tons of cargo, valued at approximately EUR 7 billion (£6.2 billion), deals with a broad spectrum of goods including grain, timber, steel and cement and offers a full range of services including container and freight.

The 25-year growth plan, which forecasts a continued growth in trade following Brexit, was unveiled earlier this year. Authorities at the Port, anticipate a significant increase in trade over the coming decades with core roll on, roll off freight expected to rise by up to 80% by 2040.

The new crane is a Konecranes Gottwald Model 3 Mobile Harbor Crane in the G HMK 3405 two-rope variant. It provides a maximum lifting capacity of 100 tons and an outreach of up to 46 m.