ABP has purchased a new £3.5m crane for the Port of Hull to support its 10-year contract with Thor Shipping.
Earlier this year, the port operator pledged millions of pounds of investment as part of the new deal with Thor.
A large part of that £6m investment has now arrived at King George Dock, in the shape of a hybrid Liebherr harbour crane.
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ABP is now able to load and unload two vessels at the same time, as it looks to keep up with Thor’s recent growth.
Simon Bird, regional director for ABP Humber, said: “A great deal of work has been undertaken at this two-berth terminal on King George Dock, and delivery of the Liebherr harbour crane marks the completion of this investment.
“We are fully committed to supporting our customers across the Humber ports, helping them to grow their businesses - keeping Britain trading.”
Having committed to a new 10-year agreement, the crane was secured by ABP to support Thor Shipping & Transport’s recent growth in business.
ABP has also purchased two new Bromma container spreaders which will attach to the crane, and Thor has ordered two Kalmar reach stackers to ensure efficient operations.
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A hybrid crane was chosen specifically to help future proof operations as the port moves towards supplying its own renewable energy.
Thomas Bryan, Thor Shipping and Transport’s managing director said: “We handle an array of cargo including containers, steel and timber.
“The new crane will provide support across all areas of our operation and increase our capacity for existing and new customers.”
The crane was shipped from the Port of Rostock in Germany, fully assembled.
Upon its arrival in Hull, a specially constructed vessel used water to lift its platform up and down, making it level with the quayside.
Once the lashings were removed the crane was then driven off the side of the vessel onto the terminal, taking just four hours in total.
Historically, cranes were shipped in their constituent parts and then put together at their destination - a process which can take months to complete and is still used today.
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Since 2014, Thor has trebled its tonnage through the terminal on , and runs regular services connecting Hull with Belgium and Sweden.
ABP has invested £6m into Thor’s 10-acre leased terminal in Hull, allowing substantial infrastructure improvement works and an additional 2.5 acres of container storage space.
This year, Thor hopes to see its strongest performance yet, and expects to handle one million tonnes of cargo.
In addition to containers, Thor’s other core business concerns steel and timber, both of which benefit from the rail links directly to the terminal at the port, which boost the efficiency of the operation and reduce carbon footprint.