A hybrid straddle carrier supplied by Kalmar has set an industry benchmark for fuel consumption and emissions in operation at MSC Home Terminal in Antwerp, Belgium, reported Hellenic Shipping News.
Home Terminal has achieved a 37% decrease in fuel consumption with the new Kalmar hybrid straddle compared to a conventional diesel-electric machine.
The results show an average fuel consumption level of 12.3lit/hour. This is claimed to reduce the carbon dioxide emission by 97 tonnes/year, compared to a traditional machine.
Kalmar delivered seven new straddle carriers to MSC Home Terminal in early 2014, including one new-generation hybrid machine.
The Kalmar hybrid straddle carrier is equipped with a new, active stability control system that is designed to ensure smooth and safe driving by continuously monitoring speed, turn radius and the spreader’s position, slowing the vehicle automatically when needed.
Randy Verresen, technical manager at MSC Home Terminal said: “Kalmar puts a constant focus on innovation on their straddle carriers. We opted for the new Kalmar hybrid straddle carrier to gain savings in fuel consumption, to decrease carbon dioxide emissions and to improve usability and driver experience.”
Dr Tero Kokko, vice-president of Horizontal Transportation at Kalmar said: “The new system can deliver a 40% decrease in fuel consumption compared to existing machines in the market while meeting the most stringent engine emission regulations worldwide.”
