Kalmar has successfully implemented the Kalmar FastCharge shuttle carrier at DP World London Gateway, as part of a joint pilot project that will run for up to a year.
The initiative involved the conversion of the terminal’s existing Kalmar hybrid shuttle carriers into fully electric vehicles, which was completed within a few weeks.
The FastCharge system utilizes a charging system connected to the local power grid that the shuttle carriers can visit during idle time in the working cycle.
The charging operation is fully automated, and provides the vehicles with a full charge in 30-180 seconds.
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The FastCharge carriers are also installed with various energy efficient tools, including on-board regenerative systems that store energy generated by braking and speaker-lowering operations.
Head of Engineering at DP World London Gateway, Ahsan Agha, said: “Operating sustainably and minimizing its impact on the environment is extremely important to DP World globally and to us here at London Gateway.
“This is why electrification, as a concept, and the Kalmar FastCharge shuttle solution in particular, makes sense for us.
“We're excited to partner with Kalmar on this innovative project.
“It has the potential to significantly reduce the port's carbon footprint, which we're already working hard to achieve through our sustainability program.
“The Planet Mark accreditation is another reflection of our commitment to reduce emissions and improve the environment while we continue to offer the very best service to our customers.”
Read Kalmar's latest whitepaper on Port Technology — Terminal Automation Platforms: Open Interfaces
Kalmar has worked extensively with DP World’s semi-automated London Gateway terminal — one of the most advanced deep-sea terminals in the world.
Existing Kalmar infrastructure at the terminal includes automated stacking cranes (ASCs), an automated truck handling system, and shuttle carriers and reachstackers.
All equipment operating at the terminal has also been integrated with Navis’ N4 TOS, which manages the transfer of containers to and from the adjacent logistics part and runs automated processes at the gates, container yard, and rail terminal.
Vice President of Intelligent Horizontal Transportation at Kalmar, Mikko Mononen, commented: “We are delighted to be able to further strengthen our valuable partnership with DP World London Gateway with the successful launch of this pilot project.
“The FastCharge shuttle solution demonstrates that it is possible to improve the eco-efficiency of terminal operations without compromising on performance, and it reflects our shared commitment to realizing a sustainable future for the terminal industry.”
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A video released by Kalmar shows the idea behind its FastCharge virtual terminal for creating an efficient way for charging equipment within container terminals
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Kalmar and Navis have been chosen to supply a state-of-the-art fully automated intermodal terminal solution for Qube’s Moorebank Logistics Park in south-western Sydney
