The improvements are aimed at preparing for the new generation of larger ships, PTP chairman Sidik Shaik Osman was quoted as saying. He highlighted Evergreen's latest 10-ship order in the post-13,000 teu category and Maersk's mega 18,000 teu Triple E class order as examples.

He added that none of the current cranes would be able to handle these vessels and would need to be upgraded. PTP is keeping up with the six other international ports of Felixstowe, Bremerhaven, Rotterdam, Yantian, Shanghai and Ningbo, on Maersk's Daily Maersk programme to build new cranes in order to accommodate these vessels.

Sidik said that the port was on track to handle 8m teu for the whole of this year. He added that the new berths and equipment will help increase capacity from 8.4m teu to 10m teu per year.

http://www.turkishmaritime.com.tr/

source: seatrade-asia