Daito introduces hybrid yard cranes

The newly-developed hybrid cranes – manufactured by TCM Corporation and used to transfer containers to/from chassis within the container yard – are the first of their type to be used in Japan. The one-over-five-high units feature an energy recycling system that uses energy generated when containers are lowered. Compared with conventional models, they reduce fuel consumption and air pollution by 40–50%, and have a much quieter engine than conventional types.

Daito plans to introduce a further two hybrid units at its Ohi Terminal in October and November (one from TCM, the other from Mitsui Engineering & Shipbuilding Co). It also plans to introduce a further two units at Ohi and one at Honmoku Terminal in 2008, after evaluating the performance of the first three cranes.