SOLOMON Ports this week welcomed the arrival of three new modern ‘Lashing Cages” at Honiara International Port.
This is the first time for SIPA to use such equipment, and the second Port in the Pacific Region to have such equipment in its operation.
These lifting cages are designed and will be used to improve the safety of the stevedores and facilitate access to
container twist locks, further optimizing the process of cargo operations.
It will be used during shipping operations to lift stevedores onto vessels when unlocking containers for unloading and
lowering stevedores into cargo holds safely.
The cages were acquired from ‘TEC Container’ in Spain, and, it has a capacity of 4 persons with complete working
equipment.
It has Anti-slip floors, and a Double safety system, can be used ‘Automatically’ by using the twist locks of the spreader,
and ‘Manually’ by using chains with hooks from inside the cage.
Last week the stevedore staff were introduced to the lifting cages and were given a tour /inspection of the cages.
A presentation was also caried out to allow the stevedores to familiarize themselves with the cages and were shown a
video instruction from the cage’s manufacturer on instruction on how to use the cages properly.
Chief Executive Officer Mr. Eranda Kotelawala was also present during the presentation, alongside SIPA’s Operation
managers, where he encouraged the stevedoring staff to take pride in the new equipment and must continue to exercise
safety procedures when working onboard vessels.
The SIPA Stevedore staff will be further trained on how to use the equipment before the cages will go into operation.
Meanwhile, the Manager Operations Stevedoring, Mr. John Irofa’alu said the addition of the new equipment will further
improve the working condition of his staff.
He said the new cages will also ensure safety during ship operations and will enhance the efficiency of stevedores when
unloading and loading of cargoes to container vessels.
“These new cages are indeed a boost for our team, we will continue to ensure our staff carry out their duties onboarded
vessels with safety and efficiency, “he said.
“I believe it will offer a safer working environment for the stevedores and will allow them to be comfortable when
carrying out their duties.”
SOURCE: Solomon Ports
