Kalmar has received a further straddle carrier order from MSC Gate Bremerhaven. The order, for ten ESC440W EDRIVE® straddle carriers with twinlift spreaders, is an additional option deal associated with the previous EDRIVE® order from Bremerhaven earlier this year. Delivery of the ten new straddle carriers will be completed in March 2008.
　　The outstanding performance of the earlier ESC440W machines coupled with more challenging environmental considerations in the terminal area led MSC Gate Bremerhaven to exercise its option for more Kalmar 7th generation electric straddle carriers.
　　In the last two years traffic has increased considerably, by up to 30%, at MSC Gate Bremerhaven, fuelling the terminal’s demand for highly productive machines that incorporate low operating costs. The 　Kalmar 7th generation straddle carriers fit the bill perfectly. The ESC units headed to Bremerhaven feature electrically controlled engines, which lower exhaust emissions and reduce fuel consumption – making them environment-friendly as well as cost-effective.
　　The straddle carriers feature an improved automatic container search system, functioning in both longitudinal and crosswise directions, which ensures greater care in the handling of containers and allows for more precise operations.
　　MSC Gate Bremerhaven’s sensitive location close to a residential area means that the noise isolation capabilities of the ESC440Ws are also paramount. The straddle carriers’ soft landing system minimises the noise generated by the gripper locking onto the container and the subsequent positioning of containers on the stack or ground.
　　Ilkka Annala, Vice President Kalmar Straddle Carriers, comments on the orders:
　　“The Kalmar ESC440W straddle carriers previously delivered to MSC Gate Bremerhaven have performed very well and productivity has been outstanding. This is why the customer has decided to add to its fleet of Kalmar four-high electric winch machines. Overall, the improved reliability of the machines has been a special consideration in the 7th generation machine development.”
　　Kalmar’s updated 7th generation ESC440W straddle carrier offers a number of advancements over the 7th generation series. The electric and hydraulic systems have been finetuned to improve reliability and availability, while the updated and optimised control system has made it possible to further reduce fuel consumption and emissions. The units are also delivered ready for future automation, placing them firmly at the forefront of container handling technology.