Konecranes VLC has signed a contract to deliver six rubber tyred gantry cranes to Georgia Ports Authority (GPA) in the USA. Delivery is due in September 2003.

Konecranes’ RTGs have sold when in Norht and Central America since their introduction in 1998. After the delivery of these cranes there will be 120 Konecranes new generation RTGs in operation in this area.

Said Ilpo Hakala, Konecranes VLC vice president new cranes: “Georgia Port Authority, our first customer for the Konecranes RTG has again chosen our technology and awarded us a fifth repeat order. GPA is a first class organisation experiencing fast growth in its terminal operations and we are happy that we are able to meet their technology expectations to accommodate further growth at the Port of Savannah.” KCI Koneports Americas, KCI Konecranes’ local maintenance organisation specialising in port services, will provide maintenance and technical support.

The 16 wheel RTGs come equipped with Konecranes sway prevention and fine positioning system. All features are electromechanical, with no hydraulics involved. Eliminating the hydraulic systems and using AC drives reduces the maintenance costs significantly, according to Konecranes, The cranes will be manufactured in Europe and erected on site in Savannah.