COSCO SHIPPING dispatches 17 ZPMC cranes for Namibian port upgrade

In a major milestone for international maritime logistics, COSCO SHIPPING Specialised Carriers has successfully loaded and dispatched 17 rubber-tyred gantry cranes (RTGs) bound for Africa. Originating from Zhenhua Heavy Industries' (ZPMC) manufacturing base in Nantong, China, this massive cargo shipment is set to significantly upgrade container handling infrastructure at Walvis Bay, Namibia, one of Southern Africa’s key Atlantic commercial gateways.

What made this complex transport project truly remarkable was the synchronised deployment of three heavy-lift vessels from COSCO’s specialised fleet: DA XIANG, DA XIN, and DA AN. Transporting such high-precision, large-scale port machinery across ocean routes demands exceptional engineering precision and strategic asset management. Facing a demanding schedule, the operational team fully leveraged the vessels' expansive deck space and advanced heavy-lift capabilities to safely arrange and secure the full fleet of 17 cranes.

Despite compressed preparation timelines, the project team maintained flawless coordination between vessel allocation, terminal management, and quay-side operations. To keep the tight schedule strictly on track, crews worked round the clock, carrying out extensive night-time loading operations under strict safety protocols. Furthermore, every stage of the loading procedure was monitored under demanding third-party Marine Warranty Survey standards. Through meticulous lashing and precise load calculations, all 17 RTGs passed rigorous technical safety inspections at the first attempt.

Once installed at the Port of Walvis Bay, these modern RTGs will transform local port logistics by enhancing container throughput, accelerating vessel turnaround times, and streamlining regional supply chains across Southern Africa. By expanding operational capacity at one of the Atlantic coast's premier maritime hubs, COSCO SHIPPING and ZPMC continue to drive international trade connectivity and empower economic development across regional markets. Projects of this scale showcase the specialised expertise, operational agility, and high-level global collaboration required to safely deliver critical heavy infrastructure across continents.