KCI Konecranes has received its largest-ever order for rubber-tyred gantry cranes from the Israel Ports Authority (IPA).

The 24-unit order, placed with subsidiary Konecranes VLC, is worth EUR29 million (USD32.26 million) and has an option for 15 more RTGs. KCI Konecranes said deliveries would start next April.

Konecranes VLC managing director Mikko Uhari said the IPA order signalled the success of KCI Konecranes's RTG range.

"Since introducing our new design eight years ago we have seen rapid growth in market share. The world market for RTGs is about 300 units a year and, during the last year, Konecranes VLC has sold 75. We are very proud of this development," he said.

The RTGs have been ordered for a new IPA project at Ashdod port, Israel's main general cargo, mineral and container port. IPA, which owns and operates seaports in Haifa, Ashdod and Eilat, says cargo growth will increase 6% annually in coming years.

The 16-wheel RTGs have a lifting height of 50 feet (15.2 metres) and a span of 74 feet (22.5 metres). The cranes will be one-over-four containers high and six-plus-truck lane wide.