Terminal operator EUROGATE revealed plans to test automated straddle carrier technology at EUROGATE Container Terminal Wilhelmshaven.
As explained, the aim of the STRADegy pilot project, managed in cooperation with terminal operator APM Terminals, is to prove that “automated straddle carrier technology is fully functional, safe and ready for roll-out.”
The tender for the supply of the automated straddle carrier system was won by Kalmar, a member of the Cargotec Group.
Kalmar will deliver four automated four-high straddle carriers and an emulation system for the container terminal. Both the live equipment and emulation environment will use Kalmar’s Terminal Logistics System (TLS), which allows all automated items of equipment, process automation solutions and access control, security and failure monitoring devices to be controlled via a single platform, according to EUROGATE.
The pilot project will be carried out on an area of EUROGATE Container Terminal Wilhelmshaven’s site which is not used operationally and does not interfere with day-to-day operations, EUROGATE said.
The first Kalmar vehicles will be delivered in the fourth quarter of 2018, while the pilot project is expected to be completed by the end of the second quarter of 2019.
“After completion of the pilot project … the results will be made available to all project partners. Subsequently, EUROGATE will decide whether and at which sites to deploy the automated straddle carrier system,” EUROGATE said.