Kalmar hybrid straddle carrier

Kalmar has signed an agreement with Tokuyama Kairiku Unso K.K. to supply a hybrid straddle carrier for the company's operations at the Port of Tokuyama.

The Port of Tokuyama is located in Yamaguchi Prefecture in the south west of Honshu, Japan's main island, and handles 137,000 TEU annually. Tokuyama Kairiku Unso K.K. is the biggest terminal operator at the port.

The first straddle carrier ever delivered to Japan will be specially engineered to meet the unique requirements of the Japanese market.

The Kalmar Hybrid Straddle Carrier significantly reduces both fuel consumption and CO2 emissions when compared to using traditional diesel-powered machines, and also generates much less noise than its diesel counterpart. It features a maintenance-free regenerative energy system that converts braking and spreader-lowering energy into electrical power and stores it in a state-of-the-art on-board lithium-ion battery system.

Takashi Yamada, president of Tokuyama Kairiku Unso K.K, says: "We chose to partner with Kalmar because of their strong reputation as a leading brand in the terminal equipment field and the excellent service we have had from the Kalmar team. We are looking forward to implementing this proven, eco-efficient technology at the terminal and building a successful partnership with Kalmar moving forward."

According to Ismo Matinlauri, vice president, solution sales, APAC, Kalmar, "Eco-efficient hybrid straddle carriers offer a fast track to a more sustainable future for cargo handling operations. They are becoming an increasingly popular choice for terminals of all kinds, with almost 300 hybrid versions ordered and delivered to date.

"We're extremely proud that Tokuyama Kairiku Unso K.K. has chosen Kalmar to help them develop the sustainability and efficiency of their terminal operations. I would also like to highlight the great work done by our team in Japan in securing this deal."

Delivery is scheduled to take place during Q1 of 2021.