Associated Terminals LLC (AT), operating on the Mississippi River in Louisiana, USA, has placed yet another order for a Generation 5, G HPK 6400 B Floating Crane, a variant of Model 6 and derived from Mobile Harbour Crane technology, with Gottwald Port Technology GmbH (Gottwald). It was only in August 2009 that AT ordered a similar machine.

The G HPK 6400 B, which brings to four the total number of Floating Cranes ordered by AT from Gottwald, is scheduled to start commercial handling in February 2010. This one will also be used for transhipping a variety of cargo including bulk materials and general cargo from large ocean-going vessels to smaller river barges on the Mississippi River.

The crane is designed as a 4-rope grab crane for professional, heavy-duty bulk handling with a grab capacity on the ropes of 50 tonnes up to a radius of 31 m. It can be used alongside ships of all sizes and, depending on the terminal and operating conditions, is designed for handling rates of up to 1,000 tph.

Associated Terminals Puts Its Faith in Gottwald
“With our endless focus on not only meeting but exceeding our customers expectations, we are pleased to announce we have decided to further increase our capacities and invest in additional equipment,” said Gary Poirrier, Senior Vice President at Associated Terminals. “And again, our excellent experience with the performance and reliability of Gottwald’s machines along with the company’s superior service, were critical considerations when it came to placing the present order. We are absolutely convinced that Gottwald's Generation 5 cranes provide exceptional technology and that this in turn will provide us with the competitive edge in our cargo handling business.”

Ten Floating Cranes in Five Years for Use on the Mississippi River

With the G HPK 6400 B ordered by Associated Terminals, Gottwald’s reference list for Floating Cranes in use on the Mississippi River amounts to ten units. The total number of this crane type sold since the launch in 2004 has increased to 17.

“We would like to thank Associated Terminals for once again demonstrating their confidence in Gottwald to provide the best equipment available to meet their customers’ needs,” said Dr Robert Wassmer, Gottwald’s CEO. "These latest two orders are proof that our Floating Cranes are firmly established in the market and that this crane type is evidently the answer to terminal operator’s needs. Floating Cranes are an intelligent blend of proven Mobile Harbour Crane technology with individually designed barges. They can be designed in all available variants and provide all the benefits of the proven Mobile Harbour Cranes, such as low specific investment costs, short delivery lead times, good spare parts availability and reliable service.”