Kalmar has been awarded a contract to supply its software-based systems, Kalmar SmartPort solutions, to TecPlata SA of Buenos Aires, Argentina. The value of the order is confidential.

In its first phase, the greenfield terminal located in Port La Plata, Argentina will install Kalmar SmartLift and SmartStack on TecPlata's 18 Kalmar terminal tractors, nine ZPMC rubber-tyred gantry cranes, two Kalmar reach stackers and three Kalmar front-end loaders.

Javier Ramirez, operations manager of TecPlata, says: "We are implementing SmartPort solutions as part of our development strategy for process automation. We believe that process automation will quickly become an industry standard to stay at the forefront in terms of safety, security and overall terminal efficiency." 



TecPlata management expects the Kalmar SmartPort solutions SmartLift and SmartStack to realise key benefits to the operations.

Kalmar spokeswoman Maija Eklöf explains that while SmartStack provides a real-time, accurate inventory of the terminal's containers, SmartLift improves operations between container handling equipment and trucks.

"In general, Kalmar SmartPort process automation is an accessible and a fast way to get immediate productivity improvements for a relatively small initial investment. Even a partial adaptation of process automation increases productivity and equipment utilisation rate, improves safety and reduces the potential for manual errors," she says.

In October 2008, TecPlata parent company ICTSI obtained a 30-year concession for the design, construction and operation of a new container terminal in Port La Plata. The project involves, when fully developed, 820 m (896 yd.) of quay, a container storage area and other facilities allocated in a 41 ha (101 ac.) area. The first phase of the project will be completed in December 2013.

Kalmar, part of Cargotec, offers a range of cargo handling solutions and services to ports, terminals, distribution centres and to heavy industry. Cargotec's sales totalled EUR 3.3 billion (USD4.4 billion) in 2012 and it employs approximately 10,000 people.