Page 62 - Port of Kokkola Handbook & Directory

PORT OPERATIONS & SERVICES“We want to go on being a good partner for Kokkola which is really going forward and want to continue to be part of its success story. As the port grows, so will its need for additional cranes and we are ready and confident to accept any kind of challenge Port of Kokkola puts in our direction,” said Seppo. lPort-Trade ApSBuying the right type of crane suitable for a busy port such as Kokkola is no easy task. Whether a port is seeking a brand-new or used crane, ports need expert advice from experiencedprofessionals on the best equipment to meet their individual demands. Denmark-based Port-Trade ApS are professional brokers who buy and sellmeasuring, inspection and analysis of a basic crane design and condition,” says Seppo. "We also assist customers with planning and technical issues and we find suitable candidates to work with us on special projects where we undertake supervision, management and quality control."He adds: "We are completely independent and do not work under any manufacturer's trademark control. This is what makes us different and, in our opinion, more flexible than our competitors.“We look at everything surrounding the installation or repairing of new and used cranes as objectively as possible, taking care that everything is undertaken as required by manufacturers including working to high standards, following rules and safety directives.”Port-Trade carefully analyses the specific needs of ports of all sizes and helps them select purchase and assemble the most suitable equipment.In September 2016 Seppo and Port of Kokkola arranged the purchase of a second-hand Takraf 50 tonne slewing crane from the north German port of Rostock and project-managed sea transport to Kokkola.The equipment was loaded onto a special vessel taking it to Hanko on Finland’s south coast where it was dismantled and renovated before being moved up to Kokkola. On arrival, changes had to be made to the lower part of the crane reducing its span from 17.3 m to 10.5 m to match the width of existing crane railway track on the quay. The crane tower was also extended by 5.5m and all electrical supply and control systems removed and replaced with new equipment.The crane was also equipped with fast high-powered systems, including modern inverter drives and programmed with a PLC system allowing it to operate in different modes with variable loading devices.60PORT OF KOKKOLA HANDBOOK & DIRECTORY