BLOK-BEAM Ltd. will launch a container-handling system which is capable of lifting six containers simultaneously on November 28, 2016.

According to BLOK-BEAM, the system largely takes advantage of existing port infrastructure and enables six containers to be lifted and transported as a single block.

“Now that ships are able to deliver around 20,000 20ft containers on one vessel – and the cranes to service them can lift up to 100 tonnes at a time – it is the ports which, in spite of their improved efficiency, have become the focus of attention in ship-to-shore movement,” said John Evans, managing director of BLOK-BEAM Ltd.

Evans added that ports handle more than 500 million containers every year, of which up to 25% are empty, and that terminals charge up to US$300 per lift.

“We estimate that if only one-third of empty moves of containers are handled by BLOK-BEAM, the industry would save over US$2 billion per year – before even considering the vast expense of idle time, fuel savings, general efficiency, losses at sea and safety,” he said.

A technical demonstration will be carried out on the launch day at the Qidong Singamas Offshore Equipment Co., Ltd. factory near Shanghai, according to BLOK-BEAM.