Eight new straddles arrive in Tilbury

London Container Terminal in Tilbury today (11th May) welcomed the arrival of their eight new Kalmar straddle carriers aboard the specialist vessel the BBC Nordland as part of the port’s growing container business.
 
The eight Kalmar ESC450W carriers have been made with specifications to match the 14 straddles acquired in 2013 to ensure consistency in the fleet. The new carriers have a 50tonne load carrying capacity with twin-lift spreaders capable of handling the full range of container sizes.
 
Three of the new straddles are part of LCT’s equipment replacement programme, with the other five going into service to meet the increase in container business at the terminal. The current fleet at the terminal is now 40 straddles.
 
Over the past four years, LCT has invested in two Paceco ship-to-shore cranes, a Liebherr 550 mobile crane, 14 new Kalmar straddle carriers, a single reception gate covering both security and container processing, new cranes, a bespoke ICT system and surfacing work.  Forth Ports’ investment programme at London Container Terminal comes to around £20million in total.