Cargotec hands over automatic cranes

Cargotec has handed over the first three of eight automatic stacking crane (ASC) blocks to HHLA Container Terminal Burchardkai (CTB) in Hamburg, Germany. The ASC block design consist of two inner cranes operating on the same rails and one outer crane working on its own rails which makes it possible to pass the two inner cranes. Cargotec said the three-crane concept affords greater flexibility and allows the ASCs to work more independently and ensure good performance at peak times.

"By using intelligent crane selection when scheduling and routing crane assignments, container moves are optimised and maximum throughput is achieved," said Jorma Tirkkonen, Cargotec senior VP of port cranes.

Construction firm Eberhard has ordered another custom-engineered Kalmar DRF450-60S5X reachstacker for removing thousands of tonnes of industrial waste near Kšlliken, Switzerland. "A low speed limit, limited height and effective emissions filters have made it possible to use these machines indoors with exceptional results," said Thomas Angehrn, equipment manager at Eberhard, which currently operates a Kalmar DRF450 reachstacker and a Kalmar DCE100 forklift.

Orders received totalled ?598m, 31% up on the same period a year earlier.