Further strengthening its position as a pioneer in the field of yard crane automation, Cargotec recently handed over the first three of eight automatic stacking crane (ASC) blocks to Hamburger Hafen und Logistik’s (HHLA) Container Terminal Burchardkai (CTB) in Hamburg, Germany. The crane blocks are each equipped with three Kalmar ASCs and related technology.

Cargotec is the first crane supplier to provide the automation and control systems in a project of this scope and technical complexity. Cargotec developed a crane block simulator designed to better aid the integration of its intelligent applications with CTB’s container handling equipment and terminal operating systems.

The ASC block design consist of two inner cranes operating on the same rails and one outer crane working on its own rail which makes it possible to pass the two inner cranes. The three-crane concept affords greater flexibility and allows the ASCs to work more independently and ensuring good performance at peak times.

“By using intelligent crane selection when scheduling and routing crane assignments, container moves are optimised and maximum throughput is achieved,” comments Jorma Tirkkonen, Senior Vice President of Port Cranes at Cargotec.

Notes to editors

Cargotec improves the efficiency of cargo flows on land and at sea - wherever cargo is on the move. Cargotec's daughter brands, Hiab, Kalmar and MacGregor are recognised leaders in cargo and load handling solutions around the world. Cargotec's global network is positioned close to customers and offers extensive services that ensure the continuous, reliable and sustainable performance of equipment. Cargotec's sales totalled EUR 2.6 billion in 2009 and it employs approximately 9,500 people.

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.