The JSI Alliance’s heavy lift vessel, Jumbo Jubilee, has recently been an integral part of infrastructure upgrades at the Port of Greenock. The vessel has delivered the first of two giant 89-metre STS Liebherr cranes. 

The 932-tonne structure was transported to the west-facing freight port following a 1-day journey from Cork in Ireland, where it was built. Work will shortly begin to install the vital infrastructure at the port, and it will be fully operational later this year following stringent testing.

According to the port operator Peel Ports Clydeport who spent GBP 25 million (EUR 29.3 million) on the two ship-to-shore cranes, the units will accommodate increased demand from cargo owners, and support growth in transatlantic trade.

Jumbo Jubilee will soon make a second round trip to bring the second crane to the port as well.

The port ran a naming competition with local school kids, which resulted in the two cranes being named U-Crane Bolt and Craner Swift. The names are a tribute to the Jamaican Olympic gold medalist sprinter Usain Bolt and the US singer/songwriter Taylor Swift.

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Commenting on the delivery, Jim McSporran, port director at Peel Ports Clydeport, said, “These two structures will be transformational for the port, significantly expanding our freight capabilities here, and we’re all really excited for having them fully operational later this year. Once installed they will also boost efficiency and bring more opportunities for global connections and worldwide trade into Greenock, further strengthening our position as a major port for importers and exporters.”