APM Terminals has begun the transfer to Rotterdam of the second batch of four new ship-to-shore (STS) cranes manufactured by ZPMC for the expansion of its Maasvlakte II terminal. The units left the facilities operated by the Chinese manufacturer in Changxing Island on August 1 and will undergo new phases of integration, testing, and commissioning once they arrive at the terminal.
The shipment is part of the equipment renewal and expansion program associated with the growth of Maasvlakte II. APM Terminals awarded ZPMC the contract for the supply of twelve new STS cranes for the Dutch installation. The project planning includes nine cranes for operations with large container ships at the deep-water dock and three cranes for handling barges and feeder vessels.
The first shipment left Changxing Island on January 15, 2026, and arrived in Rotterdam on March 22 aboard the heavy transport vessel Zhen Hua 27. It consisted of three Super Quay Cranes (SQC) and one smaller crane intended for feeder and barge traffic. The three SQC cranes have a reach of 72 meters, a lifting height of 57 meters, and capacities of 65 tons in twin-lift and 105 tons in tandem-lift. The fourth unit has a reach of 42 meters and a lifting height of 33 meters. All four cranes include a second trolley prepared for automated operations.
With the second shipment, there are already eight cranes from the order that have left ZPMC's facilities. Before embarking this new batch, the technical teams from CES worked alongside APM Terminals Maasvlakte II, ZPMC, and ABB on various verifications related to their future automation. The actions included adjustments in the installation and alignment of cameras, modifications to the design of the trolley, and checks of the automation interfaces, cable laying, mechanical assemblies, and system operation.
