MSC Home Terminal Cuts Fuel Consumption with Kalmar Straddle Carriers

The hybrid straddle carrier supplied by Kalmar, part of Cargotec, has shown reduced fuel consumption and emissions in operation at MSC Home Terminal in Antwerp, Belgium. The new-generation machines were launched to the market in October 2013.

Kalmar delivered seven new straddle carriers to MSC Home Terminal in early 2014, including one new-generation hybrid machine.

In March, Kalmar received an additional order for six ESC 350 straddle carriers. These machines will be delivered later this year.

During one month of operation, MSC Home Terminal has reached a 37% decrease in fuel consumption with the new Kalmar hybrid straddle, compared to a conventional diesel-electric machine.

The results show an average fuel consumption level of 12.3 litres per hour. This reduces the carbon dioxide emission by 97 tonnes per year compared to a traditional machine.

Dr. Tero Kokko, Vice President, Horizontal Transportation at Kalmar said: “The Kalmar hybrid straddle carrier’s regenerative energy system converts electrical braking and spreader lowering energy into electric power that is stored by the state-of-the-art battery technology.

An automated start-stop system chooses the optimal balance between engine and battery power.

The new system can deliver a remarkable 40% decrease in fuel consumption compared to existing machines in the market while meeting the most stringent engine emission regulations worldwide.”

The Kalmar hybrid straddle carrier is equipped with a new active stability control system, continuously monitoring speed, turn radius and the spreader’s position, slowing the vehicle automatically when needed.

The redesigned cabin features improvements in ergonomics and safety, such as electrically operating rotatable chair and excellent visibility with less night time reflections.

[mappress]
Press Release; June 25, 2014