Kalmars E-One wins global orders

TPS has opted for two 7+1 wide machines capable of lifting 1 over 5 containers and featuring Kalmar’s Smartrail® autosteering and container position verification system, as well as remote monitoring interface. The machines, due for delivery in November 2005, represent a key step in the terminal operator’s strategy to convert to an RTG system.

TPS has also indicated that more orders will be on the way in a year or so to handle its growing container throughput, which currently stands at 360,000TEUs per annum.

According to Alejandro Barthold, General Manager of TPS, the deal clincher was the E-One’s maintenance features, including its service interval of up to 1,000 hours for both the crane and engine.

Meanwhile, Belgium’s Terminal Container Athus has ordered a Smartrail®-equipped E-One with a 9+1 span that is capable of lifting 1 over 3 containers. The machine is to be operated in the expansion area of the Athus rail terminal. Due for delivery in autumn 2005, the TCA machine will also feature a rotating combi-spreader.

The E-One RTG benefits from a low-emission diesel engine and – due to the elimination of most hydraulics and the precision of all-electric movements – significant fuel savings. Moreover, because the E-One contains fewer critical mechanical components, there is less opportunity for mechanical failures, Kalmar claims.

TCA’s E-One will be capable of spanning four rail tracks, three stacking lanes and a truck lane, allowing for direct chassis-to-railcar and railcarto-railcar transhipment.

This will result in economically viable operations as boxes, in effect, will be handled only once.