28.06.2016

Eight Kalmars for New Zealand

New Zealand’s Port of Tauranga has taken delivery of eight Kalmar diesel-electric straddle carriers.

The new cranes have a lift capacity of up to 60 tonnes and can stack containers up to four high. Powered by a diesel-electric system they have service intervals of 1,000 hours, the machines reach a speed of 26km an hour or 24km when loaded. Delivery will begin later this year.

Located on New Zealand’s North Island, the Port of Tauranga is the country’s largest container terminal with a current annual volume of 930,000 TEU (20ft equivalent unit). It currently operates a fleet of 28 Kalmar straddle carriers used for loading and transporting containers to and from quay cranes.
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Delivery of the Port's eight diesel-electric straddle carriers will begin later this year

Port of Tauranga property and infrastructure manager Dan Kneebone said: "Diesel-electric straddle carriers provide more efficiency through their twin lifting capability. This means that each straddle can pick up two containers instead of just one, which obviously leads to much quicker vessel turn-around times. They also are environmentally friendlier, which is very important to us. We appreciate Kalmar's excellent local technical support, technological innovation and reliable delivery schedules. These new units will help us to remain competitive by ensuring that we are well prepared to handle significantly larger volumes of cargo per shipment.”

Kalmer regional sales manager John Nash added: "Our cooperation with the Port of Tauranga dates back to early 1990s when Sulphur Point, on the western side of the port, was opened with ten straddle carriers. Seven of the original straddles are still running. We are proud to continue supporting Tauranga Container Terminal and are delighted that they have once again chosen Kalmar diesel-electric straddle carriers.”