Kalmar Receives Straddle Carrier Order from Port Otago in New Zealand

Kalmar, part of Cargotec, has received an order to supply two diesel electric Kalmar straddle carriers to New Zealand container handling operator Port Otago. The straddle carriers will be delivered to Port Otago by the end of 2013.

Port Otago has also purchased Kalmar SmartFleet - a system that helps maintenance operations more effectively support terminal equipment. This process automation solution captures key information from all equipment, making it available remotely to supervisors, who are then able to maintain the equipment more quickly and efficiently.

Kalmar's Australian team will provide maintenance support to the equipment and existing Port Otago fleet, with spare parts supplied direct from its regional parts warehouse in Melbourne.

This latest order of 50-tonne capacity ESC 450W straddle carriers continues a longstanding partnership between the two companies. General Managar Infrastructure for Port Otago, Mr Lincoln Coe reflected on the ports history with Kalmar "This purchase continues a long-standing alliance with Kalmar that started 21years ago with the purchase of two SISU straddle carriers. The new machines will allow us to finally retire those reliable and trustworthy workhorses."  Looking to the future Mr Coe added "These Kalmar machines will be our first diesel electric straddles. The straddle's 1 over 3 capability together with Smart Fleet will position Port Otago to reduce operational costs whilst increasing the density and throughput of our container terminal in the medium to longer term.  This is a fantastic journey to be continuing on with Kalmar as our equipment supply partner for straddles."

Systems based on Kalmar straddle carriers such as the ESC 450W represent the most efficient options for medium-size terminals handling between 100,000 and 4,000,000 TEU. Kalmar straddle carrier's 7+ generation models combine high performance and productivity with low maintenance and operating costs. Designed with operators in mind, they deliver strong environmental benefits which can be further enhanced with hybrid operation.