In one of the largest tenders of its type in recent times, ABP specified one hydraulic crane for each of its Short Sea Ports regional sites in Ipswich, King's Lynn, Teignmouth and Garston and then also for its South Wales region, Swansea.

The Mantsinen machines that Cooper will supply range from a 90M wheeled machine at Teignmouth to a 200M, weighing in excess of 280t, at Garston. Two near identical 120M cranes will be delivered to ABP's Swansea and King's Lynn sites, while the only tracked machine, a 95R model, is destined for Ipswich.

Tony Rooney, managing director of Cooper Specialised Handling, was keen to clarify the methodology of the process, saying: "This wasn't a single contract for five machines, but rather five individual contracts each involving the provision of one crane.

"The five ABP sites had complete freedom of choice in terms of their handling solution and we are delighted that, completely independently, each port selected Mantsinen as its preferred equipment."

As well as involving its central operations and engineering management, ABP made sure that the crane operators at each site had an input into the decision making process.

Andrew Harston, ABP short sea ports director, said: "ABP is dedicated to putting our customers first. That is why we are continuing to invest in brand-new equipment and technology to ensure we can offer our customers the highest possible standards of service and innovative solutions.

"We have been pleased to work with Cooper Specialised Handling. Each port has its own handling needs dependent on vessel sizes, load commodities and in some cases, very specific ground loading requirements."