A Kalmar reach stacker handling containers.

Kalmar forklifts will replace older equipment for handling steel, aluminium and containers at JSC Sea Port of St Petersburg, Russia.

The 12 forklifts, ranging from 10 to 32 tonne capacities, are part of a 24-machine order by the Russian terminal operator.

JSC Sea Port currently uses 80 Kalmar machines, including forklifts with capacities up to 42 tonnes, reach stackers and terminal tractors, for daily handling duties. It handled 11.8 million tonnes of cargo, comprising metals, coal, chemical, timber and containers, in 2006.

Kalmar Russia managing director Ekso Pystynen said the Russian market was important for Kalmar.

"The Port of St Petersburg is the largest in northwest Russia and a strategic gateway for the country's trade with Western Europe," Pystynen said.

The order, to be delivered from May to September 2007, includes eight TRX182 terminal tractors, three reach stackers and one empty container handler.