During the second quarter of 2007 Konecranes has received two repeat orders from Russia: one for port cranes and one for process cranes. Konecranes operations in Russia have been expanding in recent years and these orders further strengthen Konecranes' position in the country. The total value of the orders is more than EUR 20 Million.

The port crane order was received from the container terminal company ZAO First Container Terminal (FCT). The order is for two Panamax Ship-to-Shore (STS) container cranes which will be delivered in the summer of 2008. Konecranes received an order for similar cranes from FCT last year.

During the last few years, FCT, which is based in St.Petersburg, has experienced substantial growth in container traffic. The recently ordered STS cranes will increase container handling capacity at the terminal by offering efficient loading and unloading of Panamax-sized vessels. The STS cranes have a lifting capacity of 50 tons, outreach of 38 meters and are equipped with Konecranes AC electrical control system.

The order also includes a two-year preventive maintenance contract for the cranes. The preventive service and technical support will be provided by ZAO Konecranes Russia, which is the leading port service provider in Russia and is active in all fields of service.

The second order was placed by the Turkish construction company, and Konecranes' long-term partner, Gama Endustri Tesisleri Imalat ve Montaj AS, the end customer is the Russian steel mill PNTZ in Pervorouralsky. This order includes several types of process cranes with related equipment, such as three ladle cranes and four scrap loading cranes. The different types of cranes and equipment will be used in the steel melting process for producing round billets. Deliveries will begin in December 2007 and will continue through April 2008. PNTZ has specialized in seamless pipes and is now widening their offering to include billets.

"Last year was a good year for Konecranes in Russia with significant orders from FCT, PetroLesPort and Multilink Terminals. This year seems to become equally successful. Our broad product offering, diverse customers and high-quality service form a strong base for continued growth in the Russian market," says Fedor Elagin, General Director, ZAO Konecranes Russia.