ABB and crane builder Kuenz have secured the largest single order of Automatic Stacking Cranes (ASCs) made by a European terminal.
This comes as part of the phase 2 expansion of APM Terminals Maasvlakte II (APMT MVII) facility in Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
The companies will deliver 62 ASCs and one Intermodal Yard Crane equipped with the latest electrical and automation technology enabling the terminal to double container capacity at APMT MVII.
The contract was formalised at a signing ceremony in Rotterdam on 13 March, involving APMT MVII, Kuenz and ABB.
For the expansion, APMT MVII is reportedly building on the achievements of the existing facility which deploys the highest level of yard crane automation, with fully automated stacks, automated guided vehicle (AGV) transfer zone as well as fully automatic handling of external trucks.
Experience from the current facility also underlines how automation enables smoother and ‘machine-friendly’ operations with less risk of damage to equipment, demonstrated in record-low maintenance hours for the terminal, reported ABB.
The scope of delivery from ABB includes control and information systems, automation sensors and software, and remote-control capability to optimise the crane efficiency for remote crane management.
Continuous development and solid revision management make it possible for APMT MVII to run both the existing facility and the expansion as a unified efficient facility at a high automation and performance level, according to ABB.
“This is an important step in the expansion for APMT MVII,” said Hans Jongejan, Project Director of MVII-Expansion.
“ABB and Kuenz once again proved to be the best solutions for the handling of our containers. The combination of the reliable automatic handling provided by ABB and Kuenz’s aerodynamic cranes makes this a sustainable choice. This allows us to not only become the most modern gateway to Europe but also the most efficient and sustainable. We look forward to another successful cooperation.”
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“We are proud of the trust APMT MVII has, once again, placed in our crane automation and control systems, and we are excited to contribute to shaping the future of one of the leading container terminal operators in the world,” added Clara Holmgren, Business Line Manager Ports, ABB Marine & Ports.
“The precision, reliability and 24/7 availability continue to make a compelling case for our automation solutions, especially where high productivity and performance are essential.”
Late last year, ABB launched a new digital tool allowing shipowners, operators, and designers to estimate the emission-reduction impact of various ABB technologies used on board ships.
Earlier this year, ABB agreed to acquire the shipping business of DTN Europe BV and DTN Philippines Inc., expanding the company’s offering in maritime software.
