Konecranes will support MPET

Konecranes has signed a major service agreement with Antwerp-based MPET.

Under the agreement, Konecranes' service arm will perform all of the maintenance and repair work on more than 150 Konecranes Noell Straddle Carriers of different generations for MSC PSA European Terminal (MPET), the single largest container terminal in Europe.

The purpose of this service agreement is to achieve consistently high availability of the entire machine fleet.

MPET, which handles the majority of containers in the Port of Antwerp, saw steady growth in 2016. Randy Verresen, manager rolling equipment at Antwerp Terminal Services NV, says: "Last year, we exceeded the 10 million TEU mark for the first time, which led to an increasing need for new machines. As a result, our fleet of Konecranes Noell Straddle Carriers has expanded by almost 100 machines in the past 12 months. To keep the availability of the straddle carriers as high as possible, we are now entrusting the service work on the machines to their manufacturer, Konecranes.

"We are certain that we are well-equipped for the anticipated continued growth of the terminal over the long term."

Konecranes has been represented in Antwerp for decades with a dedicated service organisation that offers customers a wide range of expertise.

"Antwerp is one of the most important ports for us," says Tom Cerpentier, regional director port services, Konecranes.

"In addition to straddle carriers, other types of Konecranes port equipment such as mobile harbour cranes, automated stacking cranes and lift trucks that are operated by various customers in the port need to be serviced and maintained. This is why our on-site service team comprises a total of 18 technicians and will now be strengthened by another 16 service experts specifically as part of the service agreement concluded with MPET for the straddle carriers."