Age not the only concern
Monitoring the amount of money spent on each unit can be a 'mathematical fine art', says Ashdod
Yossi Bassan, the Port of Ashdod's vice president Logistics & Engineering, sings the praises of the many good, independent workshops around the port of Ashdod.
This allows the port company to find competitive prices whenever it puts work out to tender. Who is eventually chosen is dictated by a number of factors, although having proven experience in the required fields is key, as is price.
“In the case of electronics work, we do have to undertake an in-depth analysis to determine where we can get the best value for money and who should actually do that work for us,” he says.
Within the port, maintenance teams have been able to keep ageing, but still reliable handling equipment in front line service in both the container and conventional cargo sectors.
Age, says Mr Bassan, is not the main determinant as to whether individual items should be replaced or not; more important is the amount of time and money needed to keep them in productive service.
“Monitoring the amount of money we spend on each unit has become a mathematical fine art. When it becomes evident that it is costing too much to retain a particular crane in operation, we sell it and buy a replacement,” he says.
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