Cargotec has announced an order to supply eight dual purpose Kalmar heavy forklifts to leading Italian shipping firm Messina Line (Ignazio Messina & C S.p.a). Messina Line, which operates out of the port of Genoa in Italy, has purchased the specially adapted Kalmar DCF 420 models to operate on four new ships which it is adding to its fleet.
The first forklifts are scheduled for delivery in October 2011, with the remainder to follow in November. The deal is a result of extensive development work between Cargotec and Messina Line to produce a forklift that is equally at home in the restricted space on board the ships as it is handling and stacking containers in the terminal yard. Following extensive evaluation of the equipment available and a thorough reference process, Messina Line selected Cargotec for the suitability of its products for this highly specialist application and because the company was recommended by existing customers. A key role in the deal was covered by Cargotec's local organization. Elio Crovetto, Terminal Sales Manager at Cargotec Italy, comments: "this is the result of more than one year of close cooperation with the customer. By evaluating the customer's needs we have been able to offer them the right solution , the result are eight heavy fork lift trucks specially adapted for this versatile operation. This order further strengthens Cargotec's presence in Italy."
For the dual roles necessary for the new Kalmar heavy forklifts developed by Cargotec, the company required exacting specifications. Due to the physical constraints within their new ships' RoRo holds, the mast had to be less than 5350mm and capable of lifting 33,000kg. As such, they have been equipped with an extra-low triplex free lift mast that enables operation inside the confined space of the vessel. This actually delivers a capacity of 42,000kg. They also feature a specialist carriage with sideshifter, fork positioner, fork shaft system and 110mm HRO forks. Alternatively, for yard operations, the model specified needed to handle up to 35,000kg and the ability to stack four containers high. These criteria are met by the same versatile Kalmar DCF 420 forklift, fitted with inverted forks and a 20/40 top lift spreader.
Kalmar DCF forklifts were specifically developed for ports and terminals in response to growing customer demand for heavy-duty container handlers. In addition to their extremely powerful performance, they provide 360° visibility from the acclaimed Kalmar Spirit Delta cabin, enhanced by the open design of the mast and gantry. This provides the driver with an excellent view of the stack, container corners, twist-locks and spreader. Accuracy is ensured by a powerful electronic feedback and control system which allows the fine-tuning of the spreader to handle uneven levels or loads, and deliver precise mast tilt, extension and twist lock landing.