Warrenpoint Port has commissioned a new crane and has commenced the refurbishment of two other cranes following a major £3 million capital investment.

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

Clare Guinness, CEO at Warrenpoint Port, said: “After much anticipation, we are proud to announce that works have reached completion on the build of our latest crane, which is now fully operational.

“The £3 million investment forms part of a major drive to facilitate our 25-year growth plan that was announced earlier this year.”

In 2017, Warrenpoint Port, Northern Ireland’s second largest port, handled a record 3.56 million tonnes of cargo valued at £6.2 billion.

The crane investment will improve the Port’s bulk business, which includes grain, timber, steel, wood chip, coal and cement.

Clare continued:  “This investment in our operational equipment marks the start of a considerable port-wide capital expenditure programme to improve efficiency, customer service and throughput. This will help us obtain our strategic objective which is to boost prosperity in the region given our position as a major catalyst for economic growth.” 

Founded more than 80 years ago, Konecranes is one of the world’s leading makers of heavy lifting equipment serving the manufacturing and processing industries, shipyards, ports and terminals.

Neil Griffiths, Regional Sales & Service Director, Konecranes Port Solutions, added: “We are very proud to have Warrenpoint, who has gradually invested in Konecranes Gottwald mobile harbour cranes, as our partner in cargo handling. The most recent addition of the eco-efficient Model 3 crane for handling all kind of cargo increases our long-term customer’s fleet to six cranes and will significantly bolster up Warrenpoint’s position in Ireland.”