Kalmar, part of Cargotec, has completed the relocation of five ship-to-shore (STS) cranes for Transnet Port Terminals (TPT) in Durban, South Africa in September. The order was placed in June 2013.

The cranes were moved in order to help streamline operations at the port and to facilitate the refurbishment of the equipment to increase efficiency. Durban is one of Africa's largest container terminals with a total of 59 effective berths and one of the busiest terminals in the southern hemisphere with container throughput continually increasing.

The project required the movement of Noell and Liebherr STS cranes between the East and North Quays, using self-propelled hydraulic platforms and transport beams. The project for Transnet Port Terminals was the first of its kind in South Africa.

Commenting on the project, Eduardo Prat, Vice President Kalmar South EMEA said, "Our Crane Services team located in Algeciras, Spain, has developed highly specialist solutions for STS crane transportation, design-related modifications and major structural refurbishment work. Kalmar's expertise is now regularly called upon for all types and brands of crane.

"The cranes had a transport bracket welded to each leg and are designed using finite elements analysis calculations by our engineering team. Once the transport beam was positioned, the transport platform hydraulic trailers suspended the weight of the crane, at which point real data was then compared with the original engineering calculations. This allows for any slight repositioning of the transport platforms in order to get the best position for the load distribution. The transport brackets do not affect the normal operation of the crane and can be left in position in case further relocation is required.

"We are delighted of the opportunity to develop our close working relationship with TPT. We also have two maintenance contracts in place to maintain all their rubber-tyred equipment on a 24-hour basis. It's particularly pleasing to see such an important customer calling upon our crane services specialists," he concluded.

Kalmar's strategic intent is to become a major global refurbishment and services provider. It acquired total ownership in the Spanish crane refurbishment and maintenance service company Mareiport, S.A. in spring 2013 to expand its capabilities especially in Southern Europe, Middle East and Africa. The company is now operating as Kalmar's Mediterranean, Middle East and Africa Crane Services Competence Centre.

Kalmar offers the widest range of cargo handling solutions and services to ports, terminals, distribution centres and to heavy industry. Kalmar is the industry forerunner in terminal automation and in energy efficient container handling, with one in four container movements around the globe being handled by a Kalmar solution. Through its extensive product portfolio, global service network and ability to enable a seamless integration of different terminal processes, Kalmar improves the efficiency of every move.

Kalmar is part of Cargotec. Cargotec's sales totalled EUR 3.3 billion in 2012 and it employs approximately 10,000 people. Cargotec's class B shares are quoted on NASDAQ OMX Helsinki under symbol CGCBV.