DURBAN, South Africa -- Kalmar Industries will soon deliver the first of 60 straddle carriers in a USD26.8 million contract reached with South African transport conglomerate Transnet.

The three-year deal is part of a USD138 million project to replace container handling equipment at Durban, according to Lloyd's List.

The straddle carriers,with three-high stacking capability, will be built through a partnership with Kalmar's South African joint venture, African National Engineering.

The carriers will use Sisu diesel engines and be fitted with stainless steel cabins for Durban's corrosive weather conditions.