The Port of Ayr has taken delivery of a new high-performance crane aimed at optimising vessel discharge speeds for customers.
With the delivery of this machine, Associated British Ports (ABP) - which operates the port - marks the completion of a seven-year, £2.2m investment strategy to upgrade all front-line machinery at the port.
Together with a number of other recently acquired pieces of port machinery, including two cranes purchased in 2013 and 2018, the Liebherr LH110 will help enhance port operations and deliver easier maintenance for ABP’s local engineering team.
Stuart Cresswell, port manager for Troon, Ayr and Silloth, said: “I am delighted to see the arrival of this machine and the completion of our goal to standardise our fleet of front-line cranes.
“This strategy was developed in close partnership with all our font-line colleagues, including both our crane drivers and the local engineering team.
“In terms of discharge cycle time, the Liebherr’s LH series has proven to be super quick and will bring many longer-term maintenance benefits of the fleet, as our local engineers now only have one number to call if there are any issues. “
The Port of Ayr specialises in handling dry bulks, including salt, animal feed, heavy lift and forest products.
Together with customers, ABP’s Scottish ports of Ayr and Troon contribute more than £40m to the UK economy every year, including £28m locally.
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