Portsmouth-based MMD Shipping Ltd (MMD) will further increase its handling rates with the help of a new Konecranes Gottwald Model 6 mobile harbour crane. The eco-efficient diesel-electric 125 t machine was put into operation at the end of May 2017. In the terminal, located on England?s south coast, the crane will predominantly handle reefer containers and palletised fruit.

The new crane will play a crucial role in MMD?s long-term strategy to develop in line with changes to the fruit import business. Mike Sellers, Director, MMD, said, ?When Portsmouth City Council purchased MMD in 2008, our common aim was to assume a leading role in the fruit handling segment in the UK. Konecranes Gottwald Mobile harbour cranes are our technological backbone. The first machine was delivered in 2000. The new Model 6 crane is now our ninth crane from Konecranes, and the largest so far. It is also the mobile harbour crane with the highest capacity on England?s south coast and enables us to serve even larger vessels.?

Neil Griffiths, Sales & Service Director UK, Mobile Harbor Cranes, Konecranes, said, ?The history of this teamwork shows how terminals can grow gradually with our mobile harbour cranes and confirms our diversified portfolio philosophy. The first cranes supplied to MMD were Generation 4 machines, followed by two Generation 5 Model 4 cranes from our medium-sized crane family, one in 2011 and one in 2012. The new Model 6 crane in the G HMK 6507 two-rope variant with a maximum capacity of 125 t and an outreach up to 51 m, is MMD?s first machine from our large crane family and represents another significant step in our business relationship.?