Eco straddle carriers tackle capacity

The straddle carriers at the container terminal within the Forth Ports-owned Port of Grangemouth are the first phase of ‘taller’ straddles purchased by Forth Ports in Scotland. They are designed to be fuel efficient with low noise and feature a diesel-electric drive compliant with the latest exhaust emission regulations.

Mikko Mononen, VP, sales, EMEIA at Kalmar, said: “Driven by a highly efficient diesel-electric power unit Kalmar Straddle carriers comply with the latest emission regulations and offer excellent maneuverability, quiet operation and easy maintenance.”

Higher stacks

Built in Port of Gdynia, Poland and shipped into the port aboard the cargo ship Taiga Desgagnes, these tall straddle carriers will increase capacity of the container terminal by allowing containers to be stacked up to three high.

Currently the stack level at the container terminal is is two high and with these new taller machines, the capacity will increase by 50%.

Senior port manager, Derek Knox, said: “The arrival of our five new Kalmar/Cargotec straddle carriers is an important asset and will facilitate increased container volumes moving through the port in the coming months and years. This investment builds on a year of growth in container volumes in Grangemouth despite the current economic uncertainty.”

The straddles will be put into operation in March, following an induction period and training for the straddle drivers.