Ten of the machines, supplied by Cargotec, have already been delivered, with the remaining units scheduled for delivery in the first quarter of this year.

The Kalmar TR618i terminal tractor is well-suited to the Port, as its smooth gear changes and good traction ensure that the durable units delivered to the new facility can withstand Russia's harshest winter conditions.

The empty container handlers ordered have a lifting capacity of 9 tonnes and a total container stacking height of 7+1.

"Having reliable equipment is extremely important for our operations as we will be serving customers in Russia's busiest port and often in freezing temperatures," Alexander Scherbinin, Director of the Container Terminal, said of the order.

"This dependability is complemented by Cargotec's local service and parts availability."  

The new greenfield container terminal is set to open in spring of 2010. St Petersburg is considered Europe's gateway to Russia as it is the country's largest industrial and transport centre.  

The new terminal - situated at the fourth cargo area of the Sea Port of St Petersburg - is part of International Transport Holding UCLH BV, incorporating the controlling interests of five other stevedoring companies in northwest Russia and two ports in the country's southern region.

The first phase of the terminal construction commenced in 2008 with the plan to accommodate an annual handling capacity of 350,000 TEU. Implementation of this project required an investment of $120 million.