Kalmar to supply automated straddle carrier system for pilot project in Wilhelmshaven
The “STRADegy” pilot project that EUROGATE has planned at its container terminal Wilhelmshaven is entering the next phase, the company said in its press release. The tender for the supply of the automated straddle carrier system was won by Kalmar, a member of the Cargotec Group. In addition to four automated 4-high straddle carriers, Kalmar will deliver an emulation system for the container terminal. Both the live equipment and emulation environment will utilise Kalmar’s Terminal Logistics System (TLS), which allows all automated items of equipment, process automation solutions and access control, security and failure monitoring devices to be controlled via a single platform. The decisive factors for the choice were Kalmar’s reassurance that it could provide a system capable of “Mega-Terminal” scale as well as integrating equipment and terminal operation systems from any third party.
EUROGATE is managing the pilot project in cooperation with APM Terminals on an area of EUROGATE Container Terminal Wilhelmshaven’s site which is not used operationally and does not interfere with day-to-day operations. The pilot project is designed to prove that automated straddle carrier technology is fully functional, safe and ready for roll-out. The first Kalmar vehicles will be delivered in the 4th quarter of 2018. After completion of the pilot project (expected to be the end of the 2nd quarter of 2019), the results will be made available to all project partners. Subsequently, EUROGATE will decide whether and at which sites to deploy the automated straddle carrier system.
Mega container ships with transport capacities >20,000 TEUs are presenting port and container operators with ever greater challenges. Customers expect their vessels to be turned around quickly and efficiently. This requires processes to be both plannable and reliable. Advancing digitalisation and automation are changing the competitive situation. EUROGATE cannot afford to ignore these developments if it wants to secure the future. For this reason, the company is placing a long-term focus on implementing digitalisation and automation technologies.
