Heavy lifting enabled
Corner Brook gets new mobile harbour crane
CORNER BROOK — It was a slow process, but that was to be expected as it wasn’t a small piece of equipment being offloaded at the Port of Corner Brook on Monday.
A Konecranes Gottwald mobile harbour crane and two Hyster reach Stackers were hoisted from the deck of the BBC Austria and positioned on the dock in an effort that took almost three hours to complete.
The BBC Austria arrived in the Bay of Islands with the new container-handling equipment for the port on Sunday.
The equipment was purchased by the Corner Brook Port Corporation and its project partners, Logistec Stevedoring Inc., Corner Brook Pulp and Paper Ltd. and the Government of Newfoundland
and Labrador.
Together the partners contributed $5.5 million of the total $11-million cost. The federal government contributed the other $5.5 million under Transport Canada’s National Trade Corridors Fund.
Also onboard was a third Hyster reach stacker and three Mafi shunter trucks purchased by Logistec Stevedoring Inc. for its operations at the port.
According to a news release from the port corporation, the new mobile crane will increase efficiency at the port by expanding its capacity to move containers at a faster rate.
The release also says the equipment will enhance the port’s industrial global shipping operations by allowing for the movement of Canadian goods to international markets.
“Stimulating economic growth for western and northern Newfoundland is an integral part of the port’s mandate,” said Jackie Chow, chief executive officer of the port corporation. “The arrival of the new mobile crane and other required equipment is a significant milestone in laying the groundwork for future prosperity for the port and the region.
“Newfoundland plays an important role in the Canadian supply chain. Making smart investments in Canadian infrastructure and trade corridors are key to ensuring Canada’s continued success in the global marketplace.”
Gudie Hutchings, the Liberal MP for Long Range Mountains, said the new equipment for the port will stimulate economic growth, create quality middle-class jobs and ensure that Canada’s transportation networks remain competitive and efficient, fostering long-term prosperity for all of the riding.