Konecranes has introduced its new automated straddle carrier, the Konecranes Noell A-STRAD (pictured below), to the market at this year's TOC Europe in Amsterdam.
In addition to A-STRAD, Konecranes is launching its A-SPRINTER, the 1-over-1 version of its A-STRAD for horizontal transport.
Konecranes Noell Straddle Carriers feature a diesel-electric drive system for manoeuvring precision when navigating and positioning the vehicle in both manual and automated machine versions.
A-STRAD and A-SPRINTER also incorporate automation technology from the complete product portfolio and long experience Konecranes offers for container stackyard and horizontal container transport.
These automated solutions include all of the requisite sub-systems and software, such as the Navimatic navigation system and TEAMS fleet management system, as well as consulting and comprehensive lifecycle service.
With the A-STRAD and the A-SPRINTER, container terminal operators can begin with an automated terminal right from the start or convert their manual infrastructure to an automated system in controlled phases.
For a brownfield conversion, existing man-driven, diesel-electric Konecranes Noell Straddle Carriers can be converted to automated operation as their control systems are automation-ready.
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Konecranes has used various systems for position detection and 'Local GPS' technology to utilize a terrestrial radio system for navigation.
The transponder system is based on a grid of passive transponders, such as electromagnetic route markers, embedded in the terminal ground and sensed by a surface antenna with a sender and receiver unit on the equipment itself.
Tuomas Saastamoinen, Senior Vice President, Sales & Marketing, Port Solutions, Konecranes, said: “With A STRAD and A SPRINTER, Konecranes is again leading the way in terminal automation.
“Whether the field is brown, green, or a future vision, container terminal operators can realize a step-by-step conversion in the most flexible way according to their long-term-strategies with the help of our standardized automation modules.
“Our automated straddle carrier solution paves the way for container terminal operators to set the pace in automation for their business while investing in a sustainable future.”
Ports of Auckland (POAL) has made the first new A-STRAD order with Konecranes.
Konecranes will supply 27 machines to New Zealand and at the same time upgrade 21 existing manual straddle carriers.
All automated machines are scheduled to be fully operational by mid-2019.
Discover why Konecranes was promoting the letter ‘A’ in the build up to this year’s TOC Europe.
