APM Terminals has delivered the phase 2 expansion at APM Terminals Tangier MedPort in Morocco, according to a statement. The expansion covers some 18 hectares with seven additional container stacks and a 400 meter berth, the statement notes.

Here’s what we know: Phase 2 offers 14 electric automated rail mounted gantry cranes and 11 semi-automated hybrid shuttle carriers from Kalmar. Electric equipment, shore power, and auto-mooring also contribute to APM’s net-zero efforts, the statement notes. The expansion also involves the addition of four new remote-controlled ship-to-shore (STS) cranes with a 82 meter outreach, which can handle cargo vessels up to 24k TEU, the release states.

Saving on idle time: The terminal also installed an auto-mooring system whereby automated vacuum pads along the quay improve safety, efficiency, and reduce time taken by vessels to moor and release by some 15 minutes, saving a total of one hour of idle time.

What’s next? Phase 3 — slated for completion by 2025 — will further increase total capacity by 1 mn TEU, according to the release. The third phase will cover an additional 17.5 hectares and add another 400 meters of berth.

APM Terminals also aims to reduce emissions via shore power: APM is working with the port authority to also carry out infrastructure upgrades to provide shore power in tandem with the expansion to enable ships to turn away from diesel-fuelled on-board engines, the release states. Shore power would allow the ships to connect to landside electricity for their lights, pumps, communications, and refrigeration, according to the release.

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