Cargotec has been awarded an order for four Kalmar ESC350W straddle carriers from Ports America. The new Edrive® units will help the customer handle increasing cargo volumes at its Port Newark Container Terminal (PNCT) facility. Delivery of the machines will commence in second quarter 2010.

The new, all-electric 3-high units with a lifting capacity of 50-tonnes will help Ports America reduce its environmental impact while achieving maximum productivity. Currently operating with more than 70 other-branded straddle carriers, the new order for Kalmar units further emphasises the customer’s need for greater speed and flexibility in its straddle carrier operation.

David Adam, acting president of Port Newark Container Terminal, commented that Cargotec’s local presence and reliable service also attributed in the decision:

“Cargotec offers a complete range of innovative and environmentally friendly cargo handling equipment. That, combined with its commitment to parts availability and service, assured us that Cargotec can deliver on its promises,” said Adam.

The Kalmar 7th generation ESC W straddle carriers have been designed to meet the industry’s ever-stricter greening regulations, not to mention tough noise standards. The machines feature electrically controlled engines, which lower exhaust emissions and reduce fuel consumption – making them eco-friendly as well as cost-effective.

Additionally, the units for PNCT will be fitted with variable speed generator (VSG) systems for further fuel savings and reduced emissions. VSG systems optimise engine use by determining whether the cranes need increased power for heavy lifts or little power when idling.

The Edrive® system also features a winch hoist system with full AC drives and enables regenerative power distribution between hoist and drive functions. Not only is the impact on the environment lessened, but the winch system operates quieter. 

Excellent visibility and driver comfort also make the enhanced Edrive® model the ultimate driver’s machine. The engine and cabin are positioned to the furthest points at the top of the frame for maximum driver comfort.

Ports America, the US’s biggest terminal operator, expects container volumes at East Coast ports to dramatically rise. The widening of the Panama Canal by 2014 has prompted many terminals to plan for growth.

To accommodate PNCT’s immediate handling needs, Cargotec recently supplied Ports America with three rental units. The three Kalmar ESC350 straddle carriers featuring Smoothlift™ hoist systems on lease at PNCT arrived fully-erect from Denmark just after the New Year.

Notes to editors

Cargotec improves the efficiency of cargo flows by offering solutions for the loading and unloading of goods on land and at sea – wherever cargo is on the move. Cargotec’s main daughter brands for cargo handling Hiab, Kalmar and MacGregor are global market leaders in their fields. Cargotec’s global network offers extensive services that ensure the continuous, reliable and sustainable performance of equipment. Cargotec’s sales totalled EUR 3.4 billion in 2008 and it employs approximately 10,500 people. Cargotec’s class B shares are quoted on the NASDAQ OMX Helsinki.

Cargotec’s expertise in container and heavy load handling is represented in the global marketplace by the wide range of Kalmar solutions. This includes ship-to-shore cranes, yard cranes, shuttle and straddle carriers, reachstackers, empty container handlers, terminal tractors, log stackers and automation. One-in-four container movements around the globe is handled by a Kalmar machine.

Photo caption: Ports America has ordered four Kalmar Edrive® straddle carriers to boost the handling capacity of its operations at the Port Newark Container Terminal in New Jersey.