A £3million crane has arrived at the port of Southampton.

Port operator ABP has added the eighth quayside crane to its infrastructure.

The Gottwald HMK 6507b, manufactured by Kone Cranes, has been delivered to Solent Stevedores’ Bulks Terminal at the Port of Southampton as part of an ongoing investment programme to ensure that ABP can continue to offer its customers the best services available.

Weighing in at over 420 tonnes, the crane is capable of lifting 125 tonnes and is specifically designed for working a variety of bulk cargoes arriving at the Port of Southampton.

The Port of Southampton is kept up-to-date with the latest technology and quayside equipment meaning it can accommodate the world’s largest vessels and handle cargo of all shapes and sizes. This gives the port the ability to respond to the changing needs of international supply chains. The new crane will operate from Solent Stevedores’ dry bulks terminal, where over one million tonnes of dry bulk products are handled annually.

Across its 21 ports, ABP has invested more than £250m, often in partnership with port customers, in infrastructure since June 2016, as part of its ongoing commitment to customers and UK trade.

Regional director for ABP in Southampton Alastair Welch said: “Investment at the port is crucial and we work with our customers and port partners to ensure that we stay one step ahead of changing needs and demands.”

Operations director at Solent Stevedores Tom Dynes said: “We’re looking forward to getting the new crane into operation as quickly as possible once commissioning has been completed. The addition of this high capacity crane to our bulks terminal will significantly improve our productivity and we look forward to our customers enjoying the benefits this will bring.”