Aqaba Container Terminal Acquires $13M State-of-the-Art Ship-to-Shore Crane - Jordan News
Aqaba Container Terminal (ACT), the gateway to Jordan and the Levant, has announced the arrival of a state-of-the-art ship-to-shore (STS) crane worth $13 million USD, designed for highly efficient container loading and unloading between ships and the port quay. اضافة اعلان The announcement came during a celebratory event held at the port, attended by Nayef Hamidi Al-Fayez, Chairman of the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA), Hussein Al-Safadi, CEO of Aqaba Development Corporation, and a number of key dignitaries, stakeholders, and company staff. The new crane is part of ACT's broader development plan following the extension of its partnership and concession agreement with APM Terminals, aimed at reinforcing its regional leadership and adapting to rapid advancements in the logistics sector. Al-Fayez highlighted the strength of the strategic partnership with APM Terminals, stating, 'Today's celebration is not just about welcoming advanced equipment, but also reflects the depth of our ongoing collaboration in managing and operating the port.' He emphasized that the adoption of modern, eco-friendly equipment aligns with ASEZA's 2024–2028 strategy, particularly its goal of transforming Aqaba into a 'green port' as part of the broader 'green city' vision. The initiative aims to reduce carbon emissions and promote the use of alternative energy sources in port operations, enhancing Aqaba's competitiveness as a regional logistics hub while reaffirming its commitment to sustainable growth in line with national and international climate obligations. Al-Fayez added that the new crane represents a milestone in the port's continuous transformation and a testament to the shared commitment to sustainable growth and innovation. Hussein Al-Safadi, CEO of Aqaba Development Corporation, described the crane's arrival as a strategic achievement under the renewed concession agreement with APM Terminals, which now runs through 2046. He noted that the development reflects a shared long-term vision for the container terminal and a firm commitment to strengthening Jordan's infrastructure as a regional trade and logistics hub. He also emphasized the corporation's dedication to integrating sustainability principles across its projects. The new crane is a clear example of adopting cutting-edge technology to reduce emissions and improve operational efficiency, in line with long-term development goals. Adnan Al-Yaqoubi, ACT's Chief Operations Officer, noted that the crane is a transformational investment, introducing advanced technologies that increase capacity and handling performance while ensuring the highest safety and efficiency standards. The equipment is also capable of accommodating the world's largest container ships. The crane is among the most advanced in the world, specifically designed to handle ultra-large container vessels. It stands approximately 56 meters tall, with a boom outreach of 71 meters and a lifting capacity of 100 tons. It features cutting-edge automation systems, including laser scanning for ship shape analysis and collision avoidance, precise container positioning, anti-sway technology, and self-diagnostic maintenance systems. It is remotely operated and supported by a full camera system, enabling fully automated movement and tracking.
This acquisition is part of the port's ongoing modernization efforts. APM Terminals' extended agreement with Aqaba Development Corporation will also increase the terminal's annual handling capacity by 180,000 TEUs and enable it to accommodate ships up to 400 meters in length, reinforcing Aqaba's position as a strategic node in global supply chains.
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