Gdansk (Poland) - Just as DCT Gdansk played host to the world’s largest container vessel, the MSC Gülsün, Liebherr Container Cranes Ltd. prepared to hand over a state-of-the-art, ultra-large container crane to the DCT terminal. The new crane, which is identical to two previous cranes supplied earlier this year, has an outreach of 72 m, a back reach of 15 m and a lift height over rail of 50 m. The cranes are capable of handling vessels with 25 rows of containers across deck, and along with five previously installed Liebherr ship to shore cranes, provide eight ultra-large container cranes capable of handling the latest and future generations of ultra large container vessels.

The MSC Gülsün is 400 m long and 61.55 m wide and has a capacity of 23,756 TEU. It is the first of eleven vessels that have 24 containers across the deck. This new class has been designed with a wide range of environmental, efficiency, stability and safety matters in mind. The reduction in carbon footprint and the improved efficiencies ensure that ultra large container vessels continue to be a vital component in international shipping for the future.

The MSC Gülsün prepares to dock at DCT Gdanks in the shadow of Liebherr STS cranes
The MSC Gülsün prepares to dock at DCT Gdanks in the shadow of Liebherr STS cranes

Today, DCT Gdansk is Europe’s fastest growing container port with an impressive 22.2 % growth in 2018. Since its inception in 2007, DCT Gdansk has chosen Liebherr ship to shore container cranes to power their quayside operation. The latest crane is the 14th Liebherr STS crane supplied to DCT Gdansk since its foundation.

According to Mr. Cameron Thorpe, CEO of DCT Gdansk, purchasing the right equipment and future proofing is a key component of the success of DCT Gdansk. “At DCT Gdansk, we continually invest for the future, so when the future arrives – as it has with this new class of vessel – we’re ready for it”

David Griffin, Managing Director – Sales at Liebherr Container Cranes Ltd. added, “Liebherr is very proud of the very strong relationship and reference that we have with DCT Gdansk and we look forward to being involved as DCT continue their growth into the future.”