ADPC has ordered 30 automated stacking cranes from Konecranes.

The Abu Dhabi Ports Company (ADPC) has awarded Konecranes a contract for an automated container yard system worth over EUR80 million (USD106.2 million).

The order includes 30 automated stacking cranes (ASC) and a container terminal operating system. The cranes will be taken into operation at the new Khalifa Port in two phases. The first 14 cranes will be operating by end of March 2012 and the next 16 by the end of June 2012.

"We are delighted to sign this contract which marks another milestone in our journey to have the first phase of the port ready by Q4 2012," says ADPC CEO Tony Douglas. "Konecranes will deliver their units on time and to budget and are another of our key partners in realising this flagship project."

Established by the Abu Dhabi government in 2006, ADPC is a master developer and manager of ports and industrial zones in UAE. ADPC's Khalifa Port development is an infrastructure landmark that will support the development of Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi as a major industrial zone in the region. It features the latest technology and is designed to accommodate the largest ships. When ready, the new port will have an initial capacity of 2 million TEUs.

Konecranes Middle East FZE managing director Niklas Brönn says interest in automated container terminals is increasing globally. "We are excited [to be a] part of developments in Adu Dhabi."

The order, featuring the latest in yard automation system delivery including cranes, automation systems and a terminal operating system, is the first Konecranes ASC delivery in the Middle East. The company previously delivered 30 ASCs to a container terminal in Virginia, USA and 36 ASCs are on order for a terminal in Barcelona, Spain.