The Port of Thessaloniki has received eight new hybrid diesel-electric straddle carriers as part of an ongoing programme to modernise equipment at its container terminal.
ThPA S.A. said the machines are being commissioned alongside work on the Pier 6 expansion project, with the investment intended to strengthen the port’s container-handling capabilities, storage capacity and operational efficiency.
The latest delivery forms part of a wider investment programme focused on upgrading and modernising the Port of Thessaloniki. Since 2018, the port authority has added 12 straddle carriers, one mobile harbour crane and two specially designed New Panamax ship-to-shore cranes.
According to ThPA, the New Panamax cranes can serve mainline vessels with capacities exceeding 10,000 TEUs.
The eight new straddle carriers were manufactured in Europe and use hybrid technology. ThPA reported that the equipment can reduce fuel consumption by 18 per cent while also lowering pollutant emissions.
The port authority said the machines will support the gradual transition towards a more environmentally responsible operating model, while providing the operational capacity and autonomy needed to maintain container terminal services.
The additions are intended to modernise container transport and stacking activities across the terminal yard. ThPA said more efficient stacking will allow the terminal to make better use of existing space while supporting day-to-day operations.
The new equipment is also expected to improve the use of available yard space. Its ability to stack containers at additional levels will increase storage capacity and support the movement of containers across the terminal.
ThPA said the carriers should help shorten service times for trucks and container vessels, while improving overall terminal productivity. The company also expects the investment to support cargo flows and reduce congestion at the port gates.
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Dr Ioannis Tsaras, Chief Executive Officer of ThPA S.A., said: “The procurement of the eight new Straddle Carriers constitutes an additional decisive step towards preparing the Port of Thessaloniki for its next growth phase and yet another investment with the strategic objective of continuously modernizing its infrastructure and operations. We are rendering our mechanical equipment more modern, more efficient, and more sustainable to improve the productivity of the Container Terminal in an environment of increasing demand for faster, reliable, and environmentally more responsible port services. Through the consistent implementation of investments in infrastructure, equipment and technology, ThPA S.A. strengthens Thessaloniki’s position as a modern trade and logistics hub for Southeastern Europe.”
The delivery comes as the port continues work on the Pier 6 expansion, which is progressing in parallel with the container terminal equipment renewal programme.
