Hamburg terminal operator HHLA (Hamburger Hafen und Logistik AG) has placed an order with Cargotec for 14 Kalmar 7+ generation ESC350W diesel-electric straddle carriers. The new machines, acknowledged as the most environmentally friendly model offered by Cargotec, will be deployed at HHLA’s Container Terminal Burchardkai (CTB) facility and will be delivered in September this year.

The new straddle carriers feature Selective Catalytic Reduction engine technology, designed to meet Stage 3B engine emissions requirements that came into force in the European Union earlier this year. The 3-high machines with twin-lift spreaders capable of lifting up to 50-tonne loads will also be supplied with a variable speed generator (VSG) and winch hoist system with full AC drives. This combination reflects HHLA’s desire to reduce both harmful emissions and fuel consumption.

The 7+ generation straddle carriers, launched in June 2010, also feature a modular and compact power electrics design, improved access to the power pack to facilitate maintenance work and a fuel efficient visco fan as standard.

The order demonstrates HHLA’s continuing commitment to sustainable container handling solutions. Various initiatives have reduced CO2 emissions from the terminal operator’s facilities by a total of 30,000 tonnes or 27 percent since 2008 and by 16 percent per container of throughput.

As an integral part of the contract, Cargotec will also be supplying HHLA with its UniQ Equipment Monitoring Service (EMS) and Analysis tool, monitoring straddle carrier performance from the terminal control room, including fuel levels, fluid temperature, tyre pressures and forecast maintenance requirements.

According to Ismo Matinlauri, Cargotec's Senior Vice President, Port Cranes: “Everything that the operator can see on the monitor in the straddle carrier cab, staff in the control will also be able to monitor remotely through wireless LAN. This data will be extremely useful, allowing HHLA to analyse and monitor operational trends within the straddle carrier fleet.”

Initially the UniQ EMS and Analysis system will be installed only on the new HHLA machines. However it could be retrofitted on other HHLA straddle carriers at a later stage.

Last year HHLA took full advantage of the global economic recovery, with container throughput jumping 19 percent compared with 2009 to reach 5.84 million TEU. A further increase in throughput in the region of 10 percent is expected in 2011, creating a need for additional handling capacity.

Besides ordering more straddle carriers, HHLA is also ramping up capacity by automating its horizontal transport operations. Cargotec is currently supplying CTB with a total of 24 automatic stacking cranes and related technology. The terminal operator’s substantial straddle carrier fleet is partly being used to feed containers from the quayside operation to the ASCs, and vice versa.  

Cargotec has delivered more than 100 straddle carriers to HHLA over the years. The company considers the machines the ideal yard handling solution, as they provide the operational flexibility needed to handle peaks in container throughput volumes at the terminal.

The latest contract also underlines the fact that demand for Kalmar machines in developed economies is picking up once again in 2011, as terminals restart investment plans put on hold before the recession. The HHLA order follows closely on contracts for 14 ESC450W units ordered by Générale de Manutention Portuaire at the port of Le Havre and five 7+ generation CSC340 straddle carriers for First Container Terminal in St Petersburg earlier this year.