The Freeman 12/28/2005

Ready for the volume, the sole foreign cargo handling operator in Cebu acquired its first Panamax vessel-capable crane. Problem is, draft at the Cebu International Port will have to be dredged first before Panamax ships can dock.

The Oriental Port and Allied Services Corporation acquired the Mitsubishi-built quay crane in October and is ready for service following its inauguration this month.

The rail-mounted crane has 32 wheels with a rail span of 15.24 meters. In its maximum capacity the crane can handle 38 to 40 container boxes in an hour with boom hoisting speed of five minutes for one way. Opascor's present crane capabilities are in the range of 25 to 30 container boxes per hour.

Equipped with rail clamping device, the crane has 20 feet and 40 feet telescopic spreader. Its outreach from seaside rail is 37.49 meters with backreach from landside rail at 15.24 meters.

Opascor president and general manager Tomas Riveral said there are now more efficient options for exporters in moving their cargo with bigger cranes.

Anticipating a surge in foreign breakbulk and container cargo, Riveral said the Cebu Port Authority is addressing draft limitations of the CIP to accommodate Panamax ships that has draft requirements of 12 to 15 feet. - Ruth G. Mercado