Nine Konecranes reach stackers are part of the Kuwait Ports Authority's 32-machine order.

Konecranes has won a contract to supply 32 container-handling machines to Kuwait Ports Authority (KPA).

The nine reach stackers and 23 empty container handlers will be used for container handling in the ports of Shuwaikh and Shuaiba and delivered from January 2011. The value of the order is confidential.

KPA manges and operates the Shuwaikh and Shuaiba ports. The Shuwaikh port, west of Kuwait City, is considered Kuwait's most important port. It serves ocean-going vessels and has modern container facilities. The Port of Shuaiba lies on the shore of the Gulf, 45 km southeast of Kuwait City. It was founded to support the city's industries and is the country's second port for commercial cargo. Both ports have undergone expansion and KPA was replacing old equipment.

"This is a significant order for Konecranes and it shows that the growth strategy we have for this region is bearing fruit," says Niklas Brönn, managing director of Konecranes Middle East FZE in the UAE.

He credits Konecranes' reputation and strong local dealer support for securing the order.

The reach stackers will be equipped with a cabin that can be elevated to view the second train rails when handling containers. They are also equipped with load-sensing hydraulics to provide power on demand and a remote camera for safety. Konecranes' Eco-Drive system, which calculates the fuel efficiency for each reach stacker, provides a platform to benchmark each unit and operator's performance.

Separately, Konecranes has received a repeat order for two rubber-tyred gantry (RTG) cranes from Luka Koper in Slovenia.

Luka Koper is Konecranes' long-term customer, already operating the manufacturer's ship-to-shore and RTG cranes and grab unloaders. It provides port and logistics services in the Port of Koper. Besides serving the Slovenian market, Luka Koper serves Austria, Italy, Hungary, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Bavaria, Poland and the countries of former Yugoslavia.

The cranes will be delivered by the end of July 2011. Both parties agreed not to disclose the order's value.