The five new Hyster empty container handlers for RST.

Rotterdam Shortsea Terminals (RST), which handles up to 10 container ships daily, reviewed several brands before choosing five Hyster empty container handlers, which it says have lowered its fuel bill significantly.

The new machines replace five existing Hyster empty container handlers commissioned in 2009.

"We have six years of good experience of the Hyster products, combined with responsive service support delivered by the Hyster dealer Heffiq," explains RST manager Cees van Pelt. "The co-operation is excellent and we wanted to continue the relationship."

RST is one of the largest shortsea container transshipment companies in Europe and aims to load and unload ships quickly and efficiently.

"It's a tough 24/7 operation in Rotterdam Port, with each empty container handler working intensely for up to 4,000 hours per year," says Cees, explaining that RST reviewed a number of competitive machines. "Reliability is essential and after six years using the previous Hyster model, we know we can depend on Hyster Big Trucks."

The new Hyster H22XM-12EC empty container handlers ... have helped RST reduce its fuel bill. The Stage IIIB-compliant trucks have achieved a 15% fuel saving compared to the previous model. Equipped with the latest Cummins QSB 6.7 engine, the machines handle containers up to seven-high and 45 ft. (13.7 m) long.

A contributing factor in the decision-making process is the fuel savings provided by four new Hyster reach stackers delivered to RST in 2013, Cees says.

"Uniquely, the Hyster reach stacker is so powerful, it can lift, extend the boom and move at the same time," says Cees. "But we also save at least 4 l per hour on each truck, which makes a big difference on the cost to move each container. Hyster has proven its fuel saving promise."

A Hyster spokesperson tells Forkliftaction.com News the trucks have special 20-45 ft. (6-13.7 m) spreaders. "Normally, spreaders go to 40 ft., (12.1 m) but as RST handles 45 ft. curtain containers without 40 ft. pick-up points, they required the 45 ft. spreader."

The value of the contract is confidential.

Hyster dealer Heffiq trains the drivers and RST uses the Hyster Tracker fleet management system to provide monthly reports and daily operational information as required. The Hyster Tracker monitors who drives the equipment and how they drive, recording productivity and fuel costs as well as forcing mandatory daily checks.