DP World Southampton has received eight brand new straddle carriers from Kalmar as part of a multi-million pound investment and modernisation programme for the container terminal.
The new ‘three high’ machines have twin lift capability and are more fuel efficient, which will help improve the terminal’s operations and means a further eight older versions will retire.
DP World Southampton has decommissioned a total of 36 straddle carriers in the last three years as part of its fleet renewal programme. The latest order of machines arrived fully assembled on board the vessel MV Meri direct from the assembly plant in Gdynia, Poland.
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Nick Loader, CEO, DP World Southampton, said: “These machines are greener and more efficient and this is important because, like all responsible businesses, we are always looking to reduce our energy consumption and carbon footprint.”
The straddle carriers will give the terminal the advantage of having more machines that are able to undertake twin discharge from beneath the quay cranes and will undergo necessary performance testing and some additional installation work before they enter operational service.
DP World Southampton last strengthened its straddle carrier fleet in October 2016 after taking over an extra 11.2 acres of land at the north east edge of the terminal.