PORT of Ayr announced the recent delivery of a new crane.

The Liebherr Materials Handler crane will help improve operations and optimise the speed of cargo-handling.

Becoming the first port in the UK to purchase this model, it will have the lifting capacity of 8.1 tonnes at a reach of 23.8m.

ABP’s Port Manager Stuart Cresswell, said: “The Port of Ayr has an enviable reputation of being one of the UK quickest ports for cargo discharge, which saves our customers a lot of money.

“Locally, it is easy to forget that Ayrshire is a fairly remote community in the UK context so the link that the port provides in reducing transportation cost for our customers and connecting them to the rest of the UK and Europe is hugely important.

“Especially in the current economic climate, which is seeing a rise in the cost of diesel and road haulage, the growth prospects for ports appear bright, as they offer a cost effective alternative to moving goods by road.”