Gaussin wins record deal

French port transport vehicle manufacturer, Gaussin Manugistique SA, will supply its ATT units for Turkish port and logistics operator, AKAN-SEL.

The new units, which offer operators a self-propelled and modular alternative to the traditional tractor trailer combination used for transporting containers in and around terminals, will be fitted with the company’s new Full Elec Power Pack.

Volkan Akan, chairman and owner, AKAN-SEL, said: “We made a big move choosing the full electric ATT and the main motivation was environmental issues, including zero carbon dioxide emissions and no noise for our drivers. We are very glad to sign this MoU with Gaussin to help us achieve our energy and environmental goals.”

The four tonne all electric power unit, which has a predicted lifecycle of five to seven years, was developed in association with the French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission (CEA). It is based on lithium-ion battery technology and can operate for up to 12 hours before recharging, a process that take two hours.

Gaussin Manugistique says it costs just €2 per hour to run an ATT fitted with the Full Elec Power Pack. This ensures competitive operating costs compared to traditional diesel technology, and eliminates CO2 and particulate emissions.

The first 20 units are expected to be delivered to AKAN-SEL in the second half of 2014, followed by another 20 during the first half of 2015. The ATT units will be deployed at several sites across Turkey.

Gaussin has also recently signed a MoU with an undisclosed major port operator in Africa for another 50 ATT V4 units with Full Elec Power Pack, pending a 6 month trial with a demonstration unit between September 2013 and February 2014.