Terminal Cuenca del Plata (TCP) in Uraguay’s Port of Montevideo will add 20 Kalmar hybrid straddle carriers as part of an expansion of the specialised container terminal. 

TCP’s USD500 million expansion project, scheduled for completion in 2026, will triple the port’s capacity to 2.3 million twenty-foot equivalent unit (TEUs) and involves the construction of a 730 m quay wall and enlargement of the existing container yard.

After the expansion the terminal at Montevideo will be capable of handling three or four vessels simultaneously. 

As part of the agreement with the Uruguayan government, Katoen Natie will receive a 50-year extension to its current terminal concession, due to expire in 2031. 

The new 60 T Kalmar hybrid straddle carriers are part of a fleet renewal program aimed at improving TCP’s environmental performance. 

The order also includes the performance management tool Kalmar Insight for all machines. 

TCP general manager Kenny Pauwels says: “This important expansion project will consolidate Montevideo as a regional hub. This investment will allow for higher volumes, bigger vessel sizes and additional services at our terminal. Kalmar’s eco-efficient hybrid solutions will allow us to improve productivity at TCP while reducing equipment fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions.” 

Kalmar Americas ports and terminals sales manager Alexandre Esse says: “We are delighted to welcome Katoen Natie as a Kalmar customer and to support their journey towards more eco-efficient cargo-handling operation with our hybrid straddle carrier solution.”

Katoen Natie has an 80% stake in TCP, while the National Port Authority ANP holds 20%.

The order was booked in Cargotec’s fourth quarter 2023 order intake, with the machines scheduled for delivery in the third quarter of this year.