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Port of Felixstowe receives five new automated cranes

News

The Port of Felixstowe has taken delivery of five new Automated Electric Rubber-Tyred Gantry cranes (AeRTGs), marking another step towards reaching Net-Zero emissions by 2035.

Why it matters: This upgrade improves the port's efficiency and environmental sustainability, enhancing its ability to serve large container ships and maintain its position as the UK's busiest container port.

Automated Electric Rubber-Tyred Gantry cranes (AeRTGs)
Five new automated electric Rubber-Tyred Gantry cranes have arrived at the Port of FelixstowePort of Felixstowe

The big picture:

  • The new cranes are part of a larger order of 17 electric cranes from Konecranes of Finland.

  • They can lift containers 1-over-6 high and span seven rows plus a roadway.

  • The cranes will operate in semi-autonomous mode with remote-controlled lifting.

What they're saying: Robert Ashton, Chief Operating Officer of the Port of Felixstowe, said: "These new cranes are the latest stage of our drive to deliver a first-class customer service, improve working conditions for our employees and remove carbon from our operations."

By the numbers:

  • 5 new cranes delivered

  • 17 total electric cranes ordered

  • 18 metres: new maximum depth of berths at the port

What's next: The cranes will undergo a commissioning process before entering service at Berths 8 and 9.

The bottom line: This investment in automated and electric equipment demonstrates the Port of Felixstowe's commitment to modernisation and environmental sustainability in the competitive shipping industry.

Police reveal Billy McNicholl died from head injuries and a single stab wound in an 'isolated' attack

News

A post-mortem has revealed that William "Billy" McNicholl, 63, died from head injuries and a single stab wound at his Ipswich home. Police continue to appeal for witnesses as the murder investigation enters its second week.

The details: Officers discovered McNicholl's body at his home on Hawthorn Drive shortly before 18:00 on New Years Day:

  • Suffolk Constabulary's Major Investigation Team is leading the inquiry

  • A police cordon remains in place near the junction with Marigold Avenue

  • Investigators are particularly interested in any suspicious activity between 24 December and 1 January

William "Billy" McNicholl and his dog
William "Billy" McNicholl, 63, died from head injuries and a single stab wound at his Ipswich homeAmy Clarke

What they're saying: Detective Superintendent Mike Brown of the Joint Major Investigations Team said: “We continue to appeal for anyone with any information to come forward while the murder inquiry into the death of Billy continues.

“Billy’s family are being supported by specially trained officers through what is an extremely distressing time for them.

“A large number of officers and staff have already been involved in the investigation, with searches, house-to-house and CCTV enquiries taking place. Residents should expect to see a continued increased police presence over the coming days.

“We are exploring all and any lines of enquiry and currently believe this to be an isolated incident and I would urge anyone with any information, no matter how small you think it may be, to get in touch with police.”

How to help:

  • Contact police on 101 quoting reference 37/162/25

  • Submit information via the Major Incident Public Reporting Portal at mipp.police.uk/operation/363719P01-PO1

  • Call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111

  • Use Crimestoppers' online form at crimestoppers-uk.org

The bottom line: While police believe this is an isolated incident, they are conducting extensive searches, house-to-house inquiries and CCTV analysis. Residents should expect to see an increased police presence in the area over the coming days.

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