The Saint Lucia Air and Sea Ports Authority (SLASPA) has commissioned the Hyster 450 H\D Series (a 20-ton forklift). It is the largest capacity forklift to be added to its operations, since SLASPA’s existence. The modernized piece of equipment features innovative engine technology, intelligent design, and is built to withstand serviceability and ergonomics.

In October, a cross section of employees from the Engineering and Operations Department participated in training facilitated by Hyster Service Manager, Bill Noman. The training provided knowledge in the servicing, maintaining and operation of the equipment in preparation for addition to the service fleet. The 20-ton forklift is expected to improve efficiencies resulting in the ease of conducting business at Port Castries.

“The addition of this forklift to our fleet of equipment is timely and welcomed by the Operations Department,” Adrian Hilaire, Director of Seaports, said. “It will allow us to better meet the needs of our customers particularly in instances when multiple vessel operations are occurring, while seeking to effect the receipt and delivery of containers to our partners in the trucking community.”

During the handover of the equipment to the Operations Department, Acting Chief Engineer, Saydia Charles affirmed her team’s commitment to the maintenance and servicing of the equipment.

“The upkeep of our equipment is paramount to SLASPA fulfilling its mandate, in meeting the needs of our customers.”

SLASPA continues to implement strategies towards improving efficiencies with the aim to effectively facilitate trade by adding to and in some cases, upgrading its existing fleet of cargo handling equipment.