The carriers have been delivered to Virginia International Gateway Terminal (VIG), which is seeing growing cargo volumes and increased container handling capacity.
They feature stability, safety, and manoeuvrability features including active stability control and re-designed drive and steering. Kalmar says this enables the machine to move diagonally in crab mode and around its vertical axis, enhancing the performance of the operations. The hybrid technology developed by Kalmar is also said to reduce noise engine levels.
“Green technology, efficiency and accuracy of operations, and employee safety are important factors for us at VIG. We are pleased with the co-operation with Kalmar and thrilled to see the first real hybrid shuttle carriers in the US now in action in our fleet,” said Joe Harris, spokesman for the port.
“As we go further, we are sure these additions to our fleet will no doubt help us in achieving our operational and environmental targets,” he added.
Kalmar says it’s investing in R&D and is committed to providing state-of-the-art solutions to port terminals in the future.
Virginia International Gateway is a privately-owned marine container terminal located along the Elizabeth River in Portsmouth, Virginia. The terminal is under lease to the Virginia Port Authority (VPA) and is operated by Virginia International Terminals LLC, the VPA’s privately-held terminal operating company.