Container Terminal Burchardkai (CTB) at the Port of Hamburg, Germany, is introducing a new production and shift pattern model to prepare for the arrival of the first 20,000 TEU vessels scheduled for spring 2017.
To be implemented from January 15, 2017, the new model is expected to improve ship handling performance.
“Adjustments to the previous production and shift pattern model mean container gantry cranes and straddle carriers in particular will be able to operate at our terminal continuously – both throughout the weekend as well as during the week” Jens Hansen, Managing Director of the HHLA CTB , said.
Hansen added that the terminal’s seaborne handling capacities will be increased with the introduction of the new production and shift pattern model.
“We see our optimised services as a way to more closely connect shipping companies with Burchardkai and Hamburg,” he said.
CTB plans to implement the new model as more and more ultra-large container ships (ULCVs) are joining the world’s container ship fleet. Several major container carriers have placed orders for 20,000 TEU boxships over the last couple of years, including CMA CGM , Mitsui O.S.K. Lines ( MOL ), Maersk Line , COSCO Container Lines Co. ( COSCON ) and Orient Overseas International Limited ( OOCL ).
The first of these ULCVs are scheduled for delivery in the first half of 2017.