#Ports&Shipping- Work on the construction of a new £3m crane at Warrenpoint Port began last month following the investment as part of a bid to facilitate further growth ahead of Brexit and beyond at Northern Ireland’s second largest port.

The crane, which is supplied by Finnish manufacturer Konecranes, will significantly improve efficiency by reducing loading and unloading times with the ability to lift 100 tonnes up to 42 metres above sea level.

Clare Guinness, CEO, Warrenpoint Port commented: “It is an exciting time for Warrenpoint Port as construction of our latest crane addition begins, enabling us to further improve our already high standards of service to customers.

“The purchase of the Model 3 Mobile Harbour Crane, which itself will weigh 300 tonnes, is an example of our commitment to invest in our operations, thereby boosting prosperity in the area for both local people and businesses.”

Earlier this year, Warrenpoint Port announced a major 25-year growth plan which anticipates core roll on, roll off, freight to rise by up to 80% by 2040, regardless of the outcomes of Brexit negotiations.

Clare continued: “We are fully prepared for the forecasted growth in freight shipping, with two other cranes also undergoing refurbishment.”

The crane will take three weeks to assemble and a further two to commission before entering service in September.

When complete, it will help the Port, which deals with a variety of goods including steel and timber and offers a full range of shipping services further build on increasing levels of business. In 2017, the Port handed a record 3.56 million tonnes of cargo valued at £6.2 billion.