First South American port to use autonomous RTGs

The port has placed an order worth more than US$25 million with China-based ZPMC for ten cranes, the first of which is due to arrive in May.

“We are already training the operators who will be working with this machinery and preparing the room in which they will be working,” said Sergni Pessoa Rosa Jr., director of port operations, technology and the environment for Porto Itapoá.

Capable of stacking up to six containers, the RTGs are diesel-electric hybrids and reportedly use six times less fuel than a conventional diesel-powered RTG. In addition, Porto Itapoá has purchased a Portainer (a crane that transfers containers between the quay and the ship) with a 70m reach, worth US$11 million. The terminal already has six Portainers, four with a 55m reach and two with a 65m reach.

In 2022, Porto Itapoá purchased two new Kalmar Reach Stacker forklifts capable of handling 45 tonnes and with an array of technical features to ensure operator safety. The port already had three similar pieces of equipment.

Another important acquisition was nine terminal tractors made by Brazilian company, Rucker, which arrived in July 2022. Capable of loading 65 tonnes, the vehicles have joined the port’s existing 40-strong fleet.