VIG's new Kalmar straddle carrier

Kalmar has delivered the three hybrid shuttle carriers ordered by The Port of Virginia in late 2014 to Virginia International Gateway (VIG) terminal in Portsmouth, Virginia.

Cargo volumes at VIG are growing and the terminal's operations team was looking to increase container handling capacity while furthering its commitment to environmental values.

The hybrid technology developed by Kalmar for cargo handling equipment significantly reduces diesel fuel consumption and emissions, as well as engine noise levels.

The new carriers don't compromise on stability, safety or manoeuvrability, with features such as active stability control and redesigned drive and steering which allow the machine to move diagonally in crab mode and around its vertical axis, enhancing the performance of the operations.

Joe Harris, spokesman for The Port of Virginia, says green technology, efficiency and accuracy of operations, and employee safety are important factors at VIG.

"We are ... thrilled to see the first real hybrid shuttle carriers in the US now in action in our fleet. As we go further, we are sure these additions to our fleet will no doubt help us in achieving our operational and environmental targets."

"We are very proud to have had this opportunity to work with VIG in this ground-breaking project, and wish them continued success with their operations," says Dr. Tero Kokko, vice president - horizontal transportation, Kalmar.

"The developments we have made in shuttle carrier technology bring many benefits to (the) container handling business at modern terminals. We are investing in R&D and are committed to providing state-of-the-art solutions to port terminals in the future, too."