An artist's impression of HHLA's Container Terminal Buchardkai when phase one is in place.

Port of Hamburg's biggest container terminal operator, HHLA, is working with Kalmar Industries to convert its Container Terminal Burchardkai facility to a semi-automated operation.

In phase one, Kalmar will equip the terminal with 15 automatic stacking cranes (ASCs) with automation and control systems. The first cranes will arrive at the start of 2007.

HHLA intends to increase the terminal's throughput to 5.2 million TEUs by reengineering the operation and converting the main part of the conventional straddle carrier container storage area to an ASC system by 2015, Kalmar said.

Burchardkai terminal handled 2.7 million TEUs last year.

The contract includes an option for an additional 75 ASCs. New equipment is expected as the project develops.

Container Terminal Buchardkai managing director Christian Blauert said Kalmar had been a long-term HHLA partner.
"It makes life much easier for us to deal with one responsible supplier," he said.

Jorma Tirkkonen, president of Kalmar intelligence & automation, said: "Automation will be a solution for many terminals looking for ways to improve capacity and productivity in a safe, environmentally friendly way." Kalmar did not disclose the value of the contract.