Cargotec has delivered over 100 straddle carriers to HHLA over the years. The terminal operator recently placed an order for 14 Kalmar 7+ generation ESC350W units.

Terminal operator Hamburger Hafen and Logistik AG (HHLA) has ordered 14 of Cargotec's most environmentally friendly machines, the Kalmar 7 generation ESC350W diesel-electric straddle carriers.

To be deployed at HHLA's Container Terminal Burchardkai, the machines will be delivered in September. The value of the order is confidential.

The straddle carriers feature selective catalytic reduction engine technology which meets Stage 3B engine emissions requirements that came into force in the European Union this year. The three-high machines with twin-lift spreaders can lift 50-tonne loads and will be supplied with a variable-speed generator (VSG) and winch hoist system and full AC drives.

HHLA wants to reduce harmful emissions and fuel consumption. The terminal operator's previous initiatives have reduced CO2 emissions from its facilities by 30,000 tonnes or 27% since 2008 and by 16% per container.

The seventh-generation straddle carriers, launched in June 2010, also feature a modular and compact power electrics design, improved access to the power pack to facilitate maintenance work and a fuel efficient visco fan as standard.

As part of the contract, Cargotec will supply HHLA with its UniQ Equipment Monitoring Service and Analysis tool to monitor straddle carrier performance from the terminal control room, including fuel levels, fluid temperature and tyre pressures, and forecast maintenance requirements.

According to Cargotec senior vice president of port cranes Ismo Matinlauri, staff in the control room will be able to view everything the operator sees on the straddle carrier cab monitor and monitor remotely through wireless LAN. "This data will be extremely useful, allowing HHLA to analyse and monitor operational trends in the straddle carrier fleet."

HHLA's container throughput jumped 19% last year compared with 2009 to reach 5.84 million TEUs. A further increase of 10% is expected in 2011, creating a need for additional handling capacity.

The HHLA order follows contracts for 14 ESC450W units ordered by Générale de Manutention Portuaire at the port of Le Havre and five seventh-generation CSC340 straddle carriers for First Container Terminal in St Petersburg earlier this year.