08.04.2026

Mega STS cranes enroute

Chinese Marine crane manufacturer ZPMC - Shanghai Zhenhua Heavy Industry has shipped Europe's first two units of a new "mega" STS crane to DPL World in the UK. Part of a £60 million order for four units, which, according to DPL, will be the largest STS quay cranes in Europe when they arrive.

Each crane weighs more than 2,000 tonnes and can handle the very largest 24,000 TEU (20ft Equivalent Units) ‘mega’ container ships. With four hooks, they are capable of moving two 40ft containers at a time from the ship to the yard in a single move. The two fully assembled cranes left the manufacturer's facility last week aboard the transport ship Zhen Hua 28 and will arrive next month. The second two units are expected to arrive in August.
Image[79298](The new cranes on route to the UK)
Aart Hille Ris Lambers of DP World said: “Our order for these new large quay cranes comes at a crucial time for DP World Southampton. We are continually innovating and investing to enhance our operations to give our customers, who operate the world’s largest container vessels, a smooth and efficient service. As our productivity and handling rates at Southampton continue to grow year on year, and we develop our nationwide end to end supply chain network, we’re always looking for ways to improve our infrastructure and our offer to customers, while serving the national interest.”