Kalmar's proposal for the Next Generation Container Port Challenge was prepared in close cooperation with Singapore Nanyang Technological University, APL Co Ltd, Fraunhofer IDM@NTU and VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland.

Cargotec's Kalmar received a commendation award of USD100,000 as part of a consortium in the Next Generation Container Port (NGCP) Challenge at the Singapore International Maritime Awards on 11 April.

The NGCP Challenge sought to identify innovative ideas on how to plan, design and operate the next generation of container ports that exemplify performance, productivity and sustainability.

Kalmar's proposal was prepared in close co-operation with Singapore Nanyang Technological University, APL Co Ltd, Fraunhofer IDM@NTU and VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland.

"This was an exciting challenge, as it is about a real business case: to design the biggest, the most efficient and most sustainable terminal in the world, which can be built in the coming 10 years," says Frank Kho, Kalmar's vice president, offering development.

"Our focus was to understand the key performance indicators given by the organiser and the local context. The key features in our design include an underground transportation system to separate the trans-shipment container movement from the vessel operation.

"Also, all equipment is electrical, so there are no CO2 emissions. Finally, our aim was to achieve a financially strong operation with no extreme constructions," he explains.

The challenge was organised by the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore and the Singapore Maritime Institute. Seven proposals were shortlisted as finalists from a total of 56 submissions from 25 countries. The grand prize of USD1 million was awarded to a team from National University of Singapore, Shanghai Maritime University and Shanghai Zhenhua Heavy Industries Company Limited.

The international judging panel comprised representatives from Singapore government agencies and the maritime industry.

More information about the NGCP Challenge is available at www.maritimeinstitute.sg.