Mauritius – CHCL signs contract for acquisition of new port cranes

The Cargo Handling Corporation Ltd (CHCL) signed a contract with Qingdao Heavy Duty Machinery Co. Ltd (QHDMCL) for the acquisition of two Megamax/Super Post-Panamax Ship-to-Shore cranes and five hybrid Rubber Tyred Gantry cranes today at the Docks in Port Louis.

The new cranes are expected to be delivered by end of 2027, with operations scheduled to start in early 2028.

The signing ceremony was attended by the CHCL Chairman, Mr Norbert Marcel; the Managing Director, Mr Condavelloo Dorsamy; the Marketing Director of QHDMCL, Mr Marvin Meng; and other stakeholders.

In his address, Mr Marcel described the signing of the contract as an important milestone in CHCL’s transformation and in advancing Government’s strategic vision for the port sector. He stressed that the new equipment will significantly enhance productivity, efficiency and operational performance.

He further indicated that this forms part of the first phase of CHCL’s transformation programme, with a second phase expected to further strengthen the Corporation’s capabilities. He also highlighted the importance of continued cooperation with the Chinese supplier, QHDMCL in technical support, maintenance and skills development.

Mr Dorsamy stated that the project is in line with broader transformative initiative and equipment renewal programme, estimated at more than Rs 2.7 billion, totally funded by CHCL. The new cranes will enhance the Corporation’s capacity to handle the latest generation of container vessels and meet the growing demands of international shipping lines.

He also underlined the Corporation’s ambition to develop a smarter and greener port through digitalisation, along with investment in employee training and professional development.

For his part, Mr Meng reaffirmed QHDMCL’s commitment to CHCL and expressed the company’s readiness to pursue further collaboration with Mauritius.

Source : GIS Mauritius