Truck and Track Summer 2021

Truck and Track Summer 2021 www.truckandtrack.com 64 PORTS The Port of Ayr, operated by Associated British Ports (ABP), has taken delivery of a new high-performance crane, which will optimise vessel discharge speeds for customers. Together with a number of other recently acquired pieces of port machinery, including two cranes purchased in 2013 and 2018, the Liebherr LH110will help enhance port operations anddeliver easier maintenance for ABP’s local engineering team. With the delivery of this machine, ABP marks the completion of a seven-year £2.2 million investment strategy to upgrade all front-line machinery at the port. Reflecting on the investment, Stuart Cresswell, ABP Port Manager for Troon, Ayr and Silloth, said: “I am delighted to see the arrival of this machine and the completion of our goal to standardise our fleet of front-line cranes. This strategy was developed in close partnership with all our front-line colleagues, including both our crane drivers and the local engineering team. We are all confident it will allow us to retain our reputation as one of the quickest and most effective discharge ports in the UK. “In terms of discharge cycle time, the Liebherr’s LH series has proven to be super quick and will bring many longer-term maintenance benefits of the fleet, as our local engineers now only have one number to call if there are any issues.” The Port of Ayr specialises in handling dry bulks, including salt, animal feed, heavy lift and forestproducts. Togetherwithcustomers, ABP’s Scottish ports of Ayr and Troon contribute over £40 million to the UK economy every year, including £28 million locally. Mike Hanlon, Material Handler Product Specialist for Liebherr- Great Britain, commented: “We are very proud of our long standing relationship with ABP and it has been great to see the expansion of the Liebherr fleet at Port of Ayr over the last few years. “Liebherr is renowned for providing bespoke solutions to many industries and our Ports machines are no exception. We worked closely with ABP to ensure that their material handlers were configured to their exact requirements so that they can, in turn, offer the most efficient and reliable service to their customers.” Port of Ayr new cranes The Board of Port Skills and Safety is delighted to announce the appointment of Debbie Cavaldoro as Chief Executive with effect from 4th October 2021. Debbie, who joins from Nautilus International where she is currently Head of Policy and Strategy, will bring renewed drive and leadership to deliver an ambitious strategy of next level research, tools and knowledge exchange across the whole ports sector in the UK. Announcing the appointment David Brown, Chair of Port Skills and Safety, said, “We are absolutely delighted to appoint Debbie to this position. Her experience and enthusiasm will help build on our past success and deliver an exciting future for the organisation in order tomake our port andmaritime industries even safer, healthier and better skilled.” Commenting on her appointment, Debbie Cavaldoro said, “I’m excited to be taking on the Chief Executive role with Port Skills and Safety - an organisation that sits at the heart of the UK ports sector. There can be no greater priority for all ports than the safety and health of colleagues in the sector. Making sure we have the right skills for today and the future is absolutely fundamental for the gateways of 95%of the UK’s trade and vital catalysts for our coastal communities. I’m looking forward to building on the progress that’s been made and taking forward an exciting, ambitious future strategy.” PSSWelcomes Debbie Cavaldoro as New Chief Executive Board hails exciting future for development of organisation Debbie Cavaldoro, Chief Executive of Port Skills and Safety TRUCK & TRAILER SOLUTIONS WELCOME TO ALLPORTS GROUP allportsgroup.co.uk