The St Helena Government (SHG) is pleased to announce the arrival and successful commissioning of vital new cargo-handling equipment at the port in Rupert’s Bay.
Funded by the UK Government’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), this essential upgrade includes a new Kalmar reach stacker, a MAFI terminal tractor, trailers, and specialised accessories.
The procurement was managed by Netherlands-based international supplier Forkliftcenter, with on-island assembly, servicing, and training delivered by their Southern Africa regional partner, Right Equipped Solutions (Namibia).
Securing Our Monthly Lifeline
As one of the most remote inhabited islands in the world, St Helena relies largely on its port infrastructure for survival. With food and essential supplies arriving by sea just once a month, maintaining highly reliable port operations is fundamental to the island’s economic and social resilience.
Following recent reliability challenges with the island’s older reach stackers, this new equipment directly mitigates risks to our monthly supply chain, ensuring that cargo operations can continue safely, efficiently, and without interruption.
The machinery was transported to the island by Global Shipping Center (GSC). Upon arrival, technicians from Right Equipped Solutions worked hand-in-hand with SHG Port Control and Government Garage teams to assemble the machinery and bring all units into full operation.
Beyond mechanical setup, the visiting specialists conducted hands-on training and shared long-term maintenance protocols, empowering local crews and operators to manage and maintain the new fleet independently.
Key Handover and Statements
The Minister for Safety, Security and Home Affairs, Gillian Brooks, commented:
“I would like to thank Forkliftcenter and Right Equipped for supporting St Helena and delivering essential new equipment for our port. Their technicians worked alongside Port Control and Government Garage to ensure the new reach stacker, tractor, and trailer are fully operational.
The new equipment, funded by the UK Government, provides much-needed resilience to the port and will improve the efficiency and effectiveness of our cargo operations. Gaining support from globally recognised suppliers such as Forkliftcenter is immensely appreciated, and we look forward to a continued partnership to assist with our future equipment needs.”
Managing Director Americas at Forkliftcenter, Adriaan Vos, commented:
“St Helena represents the 150th country to receive equipment from Forkliftcenter, making this a particularly proud moment for our team. Working alongside Right Equipped Solutions and the Government of St Helena, we have shown how strong partnerships can overcome even the most remote logistical challenges.”
Managing Member of Right Equipped, Henner Rodenwoldt, added:
“Delivering equipment to one of the world’s most remote islands requires trusted partnerships, technical expertise, and long-term commitment. We are proud to have worked alongside Forkliftcenter and the Government of St Helena to deliver a solution that will strengthen St Helena’s port operations and support the island’s future growth.”
The arrival of this machinery marks the beginning of a lasting, strategic partnership aimed at supporting St Helena’s infrastructure and logistics development well into the future.
A video filmed by Right Equipped Solutions can be viewed on the SHG YouTube page at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FZo1iGK8Q2M.
Photos
The SHG Port Control and Right Equipped Solutions Teams
The new equipment in the bulk yard
Assembly of the equipment
Handover of the new equipment
Notes to Editor
- About Forkliftcenter: Forkliftcenter, based in the Netherlands is an international supplier of material-handling and port equipment, including Kalmar, Konecranes, Terberg and MAFI. St Helena marks their 150th country of delivery.
- About Right Equipped Solutions CC: Right Equipped Solutions CC, based in Namibia, is a leading equipment and solution specialist serving the mining, ports and maritime, and oil and gas sectors across Southern Africa and the wider region. As Forkliftcenter’s official regional sales and service channel, Right Equipped delivers tailored equipment solutions, on-site assembly, servicing, operator training and ongoing support guided by its commitment to ‘Tailored Solutions. Trusted Expertise.’
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