Kalmar automation for TraPac
TraPac Inc’s automated terminal at the Port of Los Angeles has awarded Kalmar, part of Cargotec, a contract to integrate the controls for its new rail mounted gantry cranes (RMGs) in its intermodal yard.
Kalmar will supply its terminal logistics system (TLS) in addition to the new RMGs, to ensure a seamless integration into the terminal’s existing automated operations. The order alos includes all yard equipment for TraPac’s renewed area – in total 27 automatic stacking cranes and 28 automatic straddle carriers.
Jorma Tirkonnen, Senior Vice President, Automation at Kalmar, told Port Strategy: “TraPac is one of the major automation projects for Kalmar where we have been able to demonstrate our ability to deliver a total solution including both the hardware as well as the software for the entire automation.”
“TraPac is also our first large automation project in North America, and it strengthens our position globally in port automation,” he added.
TraPac’s intermodal yard is a substantial part of the terminal with 30% of boxes shipped inland by rail, So, Kalmar and TraPac have designed a conveyor belt solution to facilitate the movement of containers through the radiation scanner prior to being loaded on to the rail cars.
As part of the process, a Kalmar automated straddle carrier loads containers onto the conveyor for scanning after which it diverts boxes to a train or inspection area depending on the outcome. And this is all done automatically.
The Kalmar TLS system accommodates the interface between cranes, straddle and conveyor. Remote control operation of the RMGs is enabled through the same remote control desks as the automated stacking crane operations.
Kalmar’s TLS sytem is an independent automation platform capable of supporting different types of equipment – even if it’s manufactured by third parties.
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