The order comprises 10 CSC three-high stacking units and 15 CSC four-high stacking units, and their delivery to SAPO’s container handling facility in the Port of Durban will start in late summer this year.

Kalmar offers straddle carrier products ranging from Shuttle Carriers (so-called one-over-one) to four-high machines with a variety of power transmission options.

Meanwhile, the Port of Hamburg’s biggest container terminal operator, HHLA, has chosen Kalmar Industries for the supply of its automatic stacking crane (ASC) system and related technology for the first step in the conversion of its Container Terminal Burchardkai facility to a semi-automated operation. In phase one of the terminal conversion, Kalmar will equip the first five yard stacking blocks with 15 ASCs, along with its automation and control systems during 2007 and 2008. The first cranes will arrive at Burchardkai at the beginning of 2007.

By 2015 Container Terminal Burchardkai will be operated as a ‘block’ system, with 30 yard blocks stacking 10 containers wide, five high and 44 TEU (330m) long. Each block will employ two smaller ASCs capable of straddling the 10-wide, five-high blocks and one wider and higher ASC, capable of passing over the smaller machines with a loaded container. Operating on separate sets of rail tracks, the cranes will be able to move freely within the block.

From the quayside, containers will be transported by straddle carriers to a buffer area, where they will be collected by the ASCs. Outgoing containers will also be handled through the buffer area using the same system.

On the landward side of the block, the ASCs will either perform loading and unloading of road trucks, operated through a remote control system by terminal control room staff, or handle containers automatically in a straddle carrier buffer lane.

The contract includes an option for an additional 75 ASCs.