Planned system migration
Reunion: upgrading to strads will increase storage by 50%
One of the most comprehensive projects in which Kalmar's capability has been used is the Port Est extension, on the Indian Ocean island of Ré union.
At present, Réunion handles some 180,000TEUs a year and is reporting annual growth rates of up to 5%. The container terminal at Port Est, which was opened in 1986, currently operates 12 Kalmar reachstackers and a range of Kalmar empty container handling trucks, terminal tractors and fork lift trucks.
Early on in the planning stage Port Réunion called in Kalmar Terminal Development to help, including estimating the required fleet size and identifying optimal layouts. Kalmar's Port Optimizer simulation tool was also used. As a result, the port is taking into operation 12 fourhigh CSC450 straddle carriers with twin-lift spreaders and two TRX182 terminal tractors, each with a three-unit multi-trailer system.
By migrating from reachstackers the port can reduce the necessary aisle widths and manoeuvring space, resulting in an expected 50% increase in container storage capacity, which currently stands at 10,000TEUs. The greater flexibility offered by the straddle carriers will also mean improved gate delivery times for drivers.
The extension, which is scheduled for completion at the end of this year, includes the construction of a new 650m berth, widening the approach channel from 130m to 160m and deepening the draught from 12m to 16m.
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