The new Kalmar units will be delivered to Ports America's PNCT facility in the second quarter of 2010.

Cargotec has been awarded an order for four Kalmar ESC350W straddle carriers from Ports America.

The new, all-electric 3-high units with a lifting capacity of 50 tonnes will help Ports America handle increasing cargo volumes at its Port Newark Container Terminal (PNCT) facility.

David Adam, acting president of PNCT, says Cargotec's local presence and reliable service contributed to the decision to order the machines.

"Cargotec offers a complete range of innovative and environmentally friendly cargo handling equipment. That, combined with its commitment to parts availability and service, assured us that Cargotec can deliver on its promises," Adam explains.

The machines feature electrically controlled engines, which Cargotec says lower exhaust emissions and reduce fuel emissions. The units for PNCT will also be fitted with variable speed generator (VSG) systems for further fuel savings and reduced emissions. VSG systems optimise engine use by determining whether the cranes need increased power for heavy lifts or little power when idling.

Ports America, the US's biggest terminal operator, expects container volumes at East Coast ports to dramatically rise. The widening of the Panama Canal by 2014 has prompted many terminals to plan for growth.

To accommodate PNCT's immediate handling needs, Cargotec recently supplied Ports America with three rental units. The three Kalmar ESC350 straddle carriers featuring Smoothlift hoist systems arrived fully erect from Denmark just after the New Year.

Ports America currently operates over 70 other-branded straddle carriers.

The new Kalmar units will be delivered in the second quarter of 2010. The value of the order is not disclosed.

Separately, Cargotec has received an order for 12 Kalmar TR619i terminal tractors and one Kalmar DCF 90-45E7 empty container handler from the newly-built container terminal at the Seaport of St Petersburg, Russia. Ten machines have already been delivered with the rest scheduled for delivery in the first quarter of this year.

The new greenfield container terminal is slated to open in the northern hemisphere spring of 2010. The first phase of the terminal construction started in 2008, with the goal to accommodate an annual handling capacity of 350,000 TEUs. Implementation of the project required an investment of USD120 million.