Terex Port Solutions (TPS) has announced Ports of Auckland (POAL) has placed an order for 27 fully automated straddle carriers and upgrades 21 existing machines.
By mid-2019, TPS will supply a total of 27 new, fully automated N SC 644 E (1-over-3) machines to work in the container stackyard and to serve trucks. At the same time, 21 existing manual straddle carriers are being upgraded so that they can work hand in hand with the 27 fully automated machines. In addition to the supply and upgrade of the vehicles, the order also includes all sub-systems and software systems required for operation. Before POAL placed the order, TPS verified the feasibility and safety of the concept in a detailed study.
Since announcing their intention to fully automate stacking operations in August, 2016, rumours have been swirling over who will supply the systems to see the project through for POAL, which currently operates a fleet of Terex N SC 634 E (1-over-2) diesel-electric straddle carriers and is pursuing a two-part strategy that includes the automation initiative and a step towards higher stacking capability.
This will deliver a medium-term increase in capacity from today’s 900,000 TEU to 1.6 to 1.7 million TEU. Tony Gibson, CEO Ports of Auckland Ltd said: “Due to community concerns, we cannot increase capacity at our container terminal through reclamation, so the only way is up. In future, we will use 1-over-3 straddle carriers in the container stackyard to increase capacity,
Q&A: Terex Port Solutions
“Automated straddle carriers also offer a number of other benefits: They are inherently safer, as there is no human on board; they deliver a positive environmental impact as they will consume up to 10% less fuel and produce lower emissions; they will be quieter and need less light on the terminal, reducing both noise and light pollution. Overall, automation offers us safety, environmental, community and capacity benefits.”
Steve Filipov, President Terex Cranes and Material Handling & Port Solutions, said: “Automation will enable increased capacity and safe, efficient operations for terminals that organize container transport and storage with straddle carriers. We are pleased that this comprehensive project gives us the opportunity to help an ambitious terminal operator such as POAL with its long-term development objectives.”
