Two new Gottwald model HMK6407 mobiles purpose-built for container handling were introduced into service by Contecon Guayaquil SA (CGSA), a wholly- owned subsidiary of International Container Terminal Services Inc (ICTSI), immediately following CGSA's takeover of the container terminal and general cargo facilities in the port at the beginning of August this year. Formerly, the container terminal, which handles in excess of 600,000 teus annually, was totally dependent on ships' gear for the loading and unloading of containers.

The introduction of the two mobiles has had an immediate positive impact, significantly upping container handling rates, and expediting vessel turnaround. It also represents a remarkable achievement on the part of ICTSI and Gottwald in terms of working together to achieve delivery and commissioning of the two units in a very short time ' just 112 days ' from the date the order was placed. This includes delivery of the two units by vessel from Germany, where they were manufactured. Each of the new mobiles has a heavy lift capacity under the hook of up to 100 tons at a radius of up to 24m and a container handling capacity of 41 tons under the spreader at a radius of up to 41m, ideal for the Panamax dimension vessels which typically call at the terminal. A further major step up in container handling power over the quay and in the container yard is planned. CGSA has placed an order to acquire three post- Panamax ship-to-shore gantries and eight one over six high, seven wide, 16- wheel rubber tired gantries as part of a US$170 million investment program designed to raise container and general cargo handling efficiency in Guayaquil to among the best available in the region.