Port productivity drive focuses on RTGs

06 November 2009

The RTGs will have capacities of 7+1 wide and 1-over-5 high, and will be equipped with auto-steering and container verification systems, Kalmar Smartrail and remote diagnostics. Smartrail steers the RTG along virtual tracks to relieve the driver of the need to steer, and allowing them to concentrate on lifting and setting down containers.

Namport says Walvis Bay is Namibia's largest commercial port, receiving approximately 3,000 vessel calls each year and handling about five million tonnes of cargo. More importantly, Namport said it is entering a new phase in its existence with an emphasis on cost efficiencies, productivity and performance management.

“The new Kalmar E-One2 RTGs are used to stack containers with an increased stacking density than the counterbalanced equipment Namport is currently using,” said Cargotec’s vice president, yard cranes, Raimo Ukkonen.

“This enables much more effective use of space and the new RTGs will effectively increase the port’s terminal capacity by 42%. The RTGs will be fitted with twin lift spreaders which provide a capacity of 50t to further increase handling efficiency and supports faster ship turnaround times.”