The Port of Halifax has received two new electric rail-mounted gantry (RMG) cranes at PSA Halifax’s Atlantic Hub terminal, introducing the first remotely operated yard equipment in Halifax, which increases capacity, efficiency and reliability.
The new cranes enable operators to control movements from a centralized control room, improving safety and comfort by eliminating the need to work at height and in variable weather conditions, while enhancing operational accuracy and throughput in yard operations.
The addition of the electric RMG cranes supports faster turnaround times for customers and consistent performance across the terminal. As electric-powered units, they also contribute to lower emissions. The new equipment is expected to reduce carbon emissions by at least 640 tonnes annually, the equivalent of removing nearly 140 passenger vehicles from the road.
The investment is part of the Inter-Terminal Rail Solution Project, a multi-year initiative led by the Halifax Port Authority and supported by Transport Canada’s National Trade Corridors Fund. This project includes optimizing the railhead at Atlantic Hub to scale capacity in line with growing demand.
The cranes will handle the loading and unloading of containers for rail shuttles to and from the PSA Halifax Fairview Cove terminal, removing up to 75% of truck traffic generated by port activities from Halifax’s urban roads. The increased rail capacity will also allow the Port of Halifax to handle full container trains to Toronto, Montreal and other destinations in Canada. This further enhances Halifax’s value proposition of “big ships – big trains”, as it is the only port on Canada’s East Coast capable of handling vessels of 18,000 TEUs.
“These new cranes are an investment in people and performance,” says Fulvio Fracassi, President and CEO of the Halifax Port Authority. “As the new railyard is built at the Atlantic Hub terminal, the cranes are key elements contributing to safe, resilient operations and terminal efficiency”.
Duncan Glass, Chief Executive Officer of PSA Halifax, said, “The new electric rail-mounted gantry cranes enable remotely operated yard operations, enhancing safety and working conditions for our team. The use of electric equipment also supports PSA International’s sustainability goal of achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050. Collectively, these upgrades strengthen the reliability of rail operations and enable faster, more efficient cargo flow for customers across the region.”
(HPA photo)