Kalmar automatic stacking crane
ECT Delta Terminal in Rotterdam has recently taken delivery of its 100th Kalmar Automatic Stacking Crane (ASC). As a proponent of automated handling systems, the terminal was the first to use Kalmar ASCs in 1989. This latest delivery of 12 machines takes the total number of ASCs supplied to the terminal to 103.
Fed at one end by automatic guided vehicles (AGVs) working between the container stack and the quayside, and at the other end by straddle carriers working between the stack and the truck / multi trailer drop off/pick up point, ASCs at ECT Delta Terminal are used predominately to stack and reshuffle containers.
Whilst initial prototypes of the ASC, developed by Kalmar (then Nelcon), were only able to stack one over two high, the machine has since been refined and newer models have been one over three and one over four high machines. The 12 machines recently delivered are six wide and one over four high. To increase stacking density further, the oldest one over two high machines have also had their lifting height increased enabling them to now lift one over three high.
As fully automated machines (they are controlled by onboard computers linked to the yard management system) ASCs are exceptionally useful, particularly in ports and terminals where there is a shortage of skilled labour, where labour costs are high or where there is a high container throughput 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Their capability to perform unmanned yard operations throughout the night, for example, preparing stacks for the following day operations, is unrivalled.
Working either on their own, or in tandem with one other on the same track (dependent on the length and width of the stack) ASCs are designed to perform up to 30 moves per hour. They have a maximum travel speed of 240m per minute, a trolley speed of 48m per minute and a hoisting speed of 36m (loaded containers) / 60m (empty containers) per minute.
ECT Delta Terminal ASCs have a railspan of 20m enabling them to stack six containers wide. Future models are expected to have a larger railspan enabling them to stack up to nine containers wide. ASCs are available with either a box type girder or a lattice type girder construction. All models come with an in-built anti-sway mechanism and micropositioning features, combined with an extremely sturdy design, to optimise the stacking accuracy.
Commenting on the delivery of its 100th Automatic Stacking Crane, Mr J Gelderland, Division Director, ECT Delta Terminal, says:
“Our ASCs are key to the smooth running of this terminal. We rely on their ability to perform 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Even during the night when there are few trucks coming into the terminal, they are busy ‘housekeeping’, ie re-shuffling containers in preparation for the following day work.
“Our ASCs need to be highly reliable. The lack of an onboard driver means that there is no one to hear or feel alterations in the crane behaviour and this could lead to problems as, ignored, small defects can become big ones and cause significant downtime. We are fortunate that we have invested in the best and can rest assured, safe in the knowledge that should the unthinkable happen, Kalmar is on hand to help us. No doubt, should we need more machines in the future, we will look to Kalmar again.
For more information please contact:
Aija Kalander, Communication Manager
Tel +358 3 265 8625
Fax +358 3 265 8223
E-mail: aija.kalander@kalmarind.com
Alternatively more information can be asked from:
David Cheslin or Karen Baxter at
Dunelm Public Relations on:
tel: +44 20 7480 0600.
E-mail: info@dunelmpr.co.uk
Note to Editors:
A photograph to accompany this release is available and can be downloaded from the Dunelm website, www.dunelmpr.co.uk. The caption for this photograph reads:
“ECT Delta Terminal in Rotterdam has recently taken delivery of its 100th Kalmar Automatic Stacking Crane (ASC). As a proponent of automated handling systems, the terminal was the first to use Kalmar ASCs in 1989. This latest delivery of 12 machines takes the total number of ASCs supplied to the terminal to 103.
Kalmar is a global provider of heavy duty materials handling equipment and services to ports, intermodal traffic, terminals and demanding industrial customers. Kalmar focuses on supplying handling solutions that enable customers to operate with a high level of efficiency and reliability. Every fourth container or trailer transfer at terminals around the world is handled by a Kalmar machine. Kalmar provides a large range of value added services such as maintenance contracts and fleet management. Manufacturing plants are situated in Sweden (as is the head office), in Finland, in the USA, in the Netherlands and in Estonia.