 Lars Fredin |
Cargotec has reported to the Helsinki Stock Exchange that it will book a one-off cost of EUR18 million (USD26.4 million) in its fourth quarter operating profit.
The cost follows welding-related deficiencies identified in Bromma spreaders, which requires a global inspection program and potential preventive repair. Cargotec owns the Bromma container spreaders brand.
About 1,730 spreaders will be inspected. Welding cracks have been found in 35 spreaders so far. Bromma says the deficiency is not expected to cause an immediate safety risk when the container spreaders are used in normal operating conditions.
Bromma says its offices are contacting customers to arrange inspections for potentially affected spreaders. The inspection and repair process is expected to cause minimal disruption to terminal operations.
No load failures or injuries have been reported.
Lars Fredin, Bromma vice president of sales & marketing, says 2007 was a "record year".
"[It was an] extremely strong year in investments of new equipment in terminals and ports around the world. We believe the industry will continue adding new equipment and replacing old equipment in 2008."
Last October and November, large numbers of Bromma Marathon yard crane spreaders were ordered for Asian and Middle East terminals. The orders included:
- Seventy-two Marathon all-electric yard crane spreaders by ZPMC for delivery to Hyundai Merchant Marine (South Korea) and Pusan Newport Company (South Korea).
- Twenty-four separating twin-lift yard crane spreaders by ZPMC for delivery to Dubai Ports World in Jebel Ali (United Arab Emirates).
- Twenty-two energy-conserving, all-electric yard crane spreaders by Mitsui for delivery to Westport (Malaysia) and Yilport (Turkey).
- Twenty-five Marathon yard crane spreaders by Konecranes to Petrolesport (Russia), Horizon Lines (US) and other terminals.
- Fifteen Marathon yard crane spreaders by Noell for Shekou (China).
Fredin says Bromma will promote its STS45E all-electric ship-to-shore twin spreaders and SCS3 spreader communication system that were introduced in 2007.