Advances to acquisitions

With the rise in automation, Kalmar, for example, has recently met an order for 44 automated straddle carriers (as well as automated straddle technology) for Asciano’s Container Terminal at Port Botany in Sydney, Australia. The port follows the example of Brisbane, which is the first of its kind in the world to act as a fully automated terminal by using radar-based navigation technology.

Meanwhile, Liebherr has secured two recent straddle carrier orders – Peel Ports in Liverpool have recently acquired two of the SC350T straddle carriers (with an option to purchase more straddles later in the year). These carriers can stack one over two high and will be fitted with a 50t Stinis twin lift spreader. The Port of Tauranga, New Zealand, has also placed an order for three SC350T straddle carriers, which are due for delivery in early 2013.

Commenting on the acquisition, mobile product manager, Paul Bolger says: “The Port of Tauranga has operated Liebherr cranes since the 1970s and they are well aware of the performance and reliability associated with our products. It is a pleasure to supply Liebherr straddle carriers to help bring increased capacity and productivity in view of the recent surge in the port’s handling volumes.”