Gangavaram Port Limited in Gangavaram, India, has ordered two G HMK 6407 B Mobile Harbor Cranes from Gottwald Port Technology (Gottwald) and they are already on-site. These are the first Generation 5 Model 6 cranes in India, bringing the overall number of Gottwald Mobile Harbor Cranes sold to the Indian market to 15, comprising 11 new and four used cranes.

“This latest order reflects the growing opportunities for our innovative Generation 5 and demonstrates the high level of confidence in our products and services,” says Michael Hoberg, Gottwald’s Regional Sales Manager. “At the same time, with this order we have managed to strengthen our position in this important market, which has one of the fastest growing economies in the world.”

Gangavaram Port Ltd., a public-private partnership initiative, opted for two G HMK 6407 B four-rope grab Mobile Harbor Cranes for handling the import and export of iron-ore, coal, limestone and other bulk materials as well as general cargo at its new port, which is currently under construction. Phase I of the Gangavaram Port, which is located half-way along the East coast of India, about 15 km south of Visakhapatnam Port (Andhra Pradesh), is scheduled to be operational between March and May 2008.

"There is no doubt in our minds that we are getting the best equipment available on the market with Gottwald's Generation 5 Mobile Harbor Cranes," says John Fewer, Director Operations of Gangaravam Port Ltd. “Gangaravam Port will be the deepest port in the country with facilities to berth and handle super-Cape size bulk carriers and a total cargo handling capacity of over 100 million tons p.a., and having a global player like Gottwald on board is a worthwhile investment for future success. We place our trust in the long term operational benefits of Gottwald’s equipment, which has earned a high level of customer satisfaction in terminals around the world and is known for meeting the requirements for reliable operation and the best possible cost-efficiency.”

The G HMK 6407 B is just one variant of Model 6 in the range of Generation 5 cranes, launched successfully in 2006, available as Mobile Harbor, Portal Harbor and Floating Cranes and as a four-rope grab variant for professional bulk handling. Of a total of 93 Generation 5 cranes sold to date, 59 have been Model 6 cranes, making the successor of the HMK 300/330 the company’s new bestseller.

With a 50-tonne grab curve, a maximum radius of 51 meters and a maximum hoisting speed of 110 m/min, the G HMK 6407 B four-rope grab Mobile Harbor Crane achieves average handling rates of up to 1,100 tph depending on site conditions. The high crane classification ensures a long service life and caters for the special conditions of continuous-duty bulk handling up to several thousand operating hours per annum.

Shyam Pathak, Gottwald’s Representative in India, is delighted to see Gottwald’s foothold in India being consolidated. “Thanks to convincing technology and a strong reputation, Gottwald has held its own against strong competition. Indian ports are increasingly willing to invest in state-of-the-art equipment. And Gottwald is known for offering state-of-the-art equipment with Mobile Harbor Crane concepts for all types of cargo handling such as containers and general cargo, but also for the professional continuous-duty handling of bulk materials. The new order will serve as an excellent reference for new and follow-up orders.”