"K" LINE has announced that it subsidiary, International Transportation Service Inc (ITS), has placed an order for four of the largest gantry cranes with Mitsui Engineering & Shipbuilding to be installed at Long Beach.

These cranes also have capability to load and discharge containers from ultra large container vessels with new soft landing technology, that automatically slows down or stops when approaching the container to be lifted.

This system eases crane driver's handling and improves operational efficiency, said the company release.

ITS was established in 1971 and operates terminals in Long Beach, and has been supporting "K" Line" transpacific containership services for more than 40 years. In 2014, "K" Line and Ports America took 30 per cent of ITS shares.