A new machine to unload ships at Hull docks could increase the amount of cargo the port handles by 25 per cent. The £1m multi-docker was unveiled at Albert Dock on the 6th October and its new owners say the giant crane, which has a reach of 25 metres, will greatly increase loading and unloading efficiency.
The multi-docker has been jointly bought by shipping company RMS – which has bases in Hull, Goole, Grimsby, Immingham and the Trent ports – and Swedish firm Osterstroms. RMS chief executive Peter Aarosin said: “We believe in the future of the Hull ports. One of the great features of the multi-docker is its cost effective handling and efficient performance, enabling us to focus on entirely new cargoes.”
The crane is precision controlled and can handle a wide variety of cargoes from sawn timber to fine gravel “with the dexterity of a giant hand”. It will work across the city’s docks and is also intended to reduce the health and safety risks to dock workers and the damage to cargo.
Calculus Capital was one of three private equity firms which backed a management buy-out of RMS in July 2007.
