Kalmar straddle carrier fitted with hybrid technology package

Terminal operator DP World has ordered 15 Kalmar straddle carriers for its Southampton terminal. The machines will be delivered in the first half of 2009.

Two of the machines will be fitted with Kalmar's new hybrid technology package and if they perform as expected, it is possible the remaining 13 will be upgraded.

DP World's order includes seven Kalmar ESC 350W straddle carriers capable of stacking one-over-two high with a lifting capacity of 50 tonnes and eight ESC 440W machines that can stack one-over-three high with a lifting capacity of 40 tonnes.

Ilkka Annala, straddle carriers vice president of Kalmar Industries, says DP World Southampton will work the two new hybrids side-by-side with the other straddle carriers. "If the hybrid package proves its worth in this operation, the 13 other Kalmar straddle carriers can be upgraded.

"In our own trials, we have seen considerable fuel savings when compared to standard machines and are confident that the hybrids will produce significant savings for our customers."

The hybrid technology package is a modular option that results in fuel savings of up to 25% to 30% and is capable of delivering more moves with less fuel. Kalmar estimates this new technology can eliminate more than 50 tonnes of CO2 emissions per straddle carrier per year.