ASK orders 19 Kalmar straddle carriers

The seventh-generation straddle carriers will be equipped with the latest in handling technology, including Kalmar’s Smartpath container position verification system and Remote Monitoring Interface (RMI). Smartpath receives information directly from the yard management system, allowing for accurate picking and placing of containers. RMI allows for remote monitoring from either the terminal operating room or via the internet and gives customers instant access to Kalmar experts in the event of any problems.

The machines, which will be delivered by spring 2007, will be ready for automation, with inbuilt provision for sensors, should ASK decide to upgrade to an automated system in future. They will be capable of stacking containers three high, and will incorporate AC drives to meet the strictest environmental standards.

The purchase is part of a 25-year expansion plan at the Port of Aarhus, designed to accommodate annual growth of 10-15% in container throughput. When the expansion is complete, the port area will cover 360 ha, double its present size, and its annual cargo handling capacity will increase to 20m tonnes.