Latest Equipment Analysis For Systems: Straddle carriers
Crane tech shrunk to fit Analysis
The straddle carrier sector produced an estimated 400-500 units in 2008 but crashed to less than half that level in 2009. With terminal infrastructure projects put on ice, large-scale orders for straddles have disappeared and operators of existing fleets are sweating those assets, rather than investing in new machines. At least one manufacturer is understood to have stopped producing straddles and the remaining ones must vie for business with the two dominant players, Cargotec-owned Kalmar and Terex-owned Noell. What an interesting time, then, for Liebherr Container Cranes to enter the straddle sector. But current market conditions make no difference, according to Pat OĠLeary, MD of the Killarney, Ireland-based firm. "It would be a concern if we were a weak company, but weĠre not and our philosophy is to build it and put it out there," he explains.Read More | 01 May 2010
