Automated lashing launch imminent

The automated lashing platform was initially brought into the Cargotec stable under the Kalmar brand, but has since been shifted to Bromma.

Allowing twistlock pinning to be automated, the platform is currently undergoing field tests in Bremerhaven but Lars Muerling, vice president marketing at Bromma, confirmed to Port Strategy that the company is already in discussions with ‘early adopters’ about the product.

Mr Muerling added that Bromma is also investigating the integration of automated lashing into cranes.

Meanwhile, the company’s tandem spreader concept is undergoing a serious revamp in light of slower-than-expected uptake and in response to discussions with terminals. Having been on the market since the early 2000s, Mr Muerling explained that Bromma has been in discussions with some of the major terminal operators about improving the speed of switching from tandem to standard lift.

“We are developing an automatic headlock and electrical connector which will allow the spreader to switch/change spreaders in under three minutes with no manual intervention,” said Mr Muerling. “We believe the auto connector is an attractive proposition for standard lift as well as it reduces manual interaction which is good for safety.”

A new design is being added to the Tandem portfolio which can take any combination of 40 ft and 45ft containers in tandem, but the ability to lift 20 ft containers as well is not included in the new model.

“We don’t believe that terminals will want to lift two 20 ft containers in tandem, which will allow the spreader design to be lighter.”