Kalmar lands order for 10 straddle carriers from Piraeus Port

THE Piraeus Port Authority in Greece is purchasing 10 straddle carriers for its new Pier I container terminal from Kalmar Industries, a member of the Cargotech Corporation for delivery in the first half of 2009.

The order comprises five EDRIVE and ESC350 straddle carriers and five CSC350 machines, all of which can stack containers three high. The EDRIVE and ESC350 machines additionally feature electrically controlled engines that are designed to lower exhaust emissions and reduce fuel consumption.

They will bring the total number of Kalmar straddle carriers at the Mediterranean port to 58. Piraeus also operates a fleet of 25 Kalmar terminal tractors and 10 Kalmar empty container handlers, a statement issued by Cargotech said.

Kalmar Industries vice president Ilkka Annala said: Kalmar straddle carriers service 14 ship-to-shore cranes mainly in three shifts. The availability of these straddle carriers has been proven by the customer who has recorded 4,500 annual operating hours for the 18 CSC350 machines delivered three years ago.

The Port of Piraeus has the largest container terminal in the eastern Mediterranean and its new terminal will offer a maximum berth depth of 18 metres. The existing terminal handles 1.5 million TEU annually.

Source: Schednet