Forklift News - KCI Konecranes taps into new Mediterranean market

KCI Konecranes, which acquired reach stacker and forklift manufacturer, SMV Lifttrucks AB last year, has been contracted to design and supply key components for three post-Panamax ship-to-shore (STS) container cranes for the new port of Astakos in western Greece.

Greek crane manufacturer C Rokas SA will construct and erect the cranes but KCI Konecranes will design them according to Konecranes’ modular STS crane design and supply key components.

The cranes, which will have a 50-tonne lifting capacity and an outreach of 44 metres, will be equipped with Konecranes AC drive system, DynaPilot Anti-Sway System and CAROL Crane Management System.

Konecranes’ container cranes director Mika Mahlberg said the company was delighted to see its reach in the Mediterranean market growing.

"Normally, when we are supplying globally, we are typically the main contractor," Mahlberg said.

"We have decided on this approach for Greece, a new market area for Konecranes’ STS container cranes because of the strong presence of Rokas in Greece and the long history they have with the products.

"They also needed a partner to support them because we have the latest technology so it was a good match."

Mahlberg would not disclose the order price but said Konecranes would receive 30 per cent to 60 per cent of the contract value.

The port of Astakos is operated by J V Astakos Terminal S A.

The three container cranes, to be delivered in December, will initially constitute the main port equipment at the new container terminal. They form part of a larger investment program at the port to create one of the biggest free zones for containers and bulk cargoes in the Mediterranean Sea.

Rokas has a history of supplying port equipment to all major Greek commercial ports.

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