Allcargo switches to RTG operation with four Kalmar cranes in India.
Cargotec has received an order for four all-electric, Kalmar E-One2 rubber-tyred gantry (RTG) cranes from Allcargo Logistics in India. The RTGs are scheduled to start operations in April next year. The order has been booked in the second quarter of 2011. Rapid growth in container traffic moving through the Indian ports has prompted Allcargo Logistics to convert container handling at its container freight station in Chennai and plan new facility near Mumbai using rubber-tyred gantry crane, each with two RTGs. The Chennai facility is the closest of its type to the port and has to date operated using Kalmar reachstackers. It is the first among South India's inland container yards to adopt all-electric RTG operations, following a sharp increase in throughput and subsequent space limitations in ports.
In selecting the Kalmar E-One2 RTGs, Allcargo has opted for an advanced specification that includes Variable Speed Generators to reduce fuel consumption. The crane's design will also ensure longer service and maintenance interval, and thereby lower overall running costs. The 41 tonnes capacity RTGs will be able to stack containers one-over-five high, and span seven container rows plus a roadway. "As well as meeting Allcargo's requirement for more sustainable RTGs, we were able to capitalise on their positive experience with the Kalmar reach stackers and Kalmar empty container handlers that they already have at the Chennai container freight station," says Cargotec's Jonne Hankimaa, Managing Director Cargotec India. "It was also important to Allcargo that we can offer a local service support network, to ensure maximum uptime for these equipments."
Shashi Kiran Shetty, Chairman & Managing Director, Allcargo Logistics Limited says:"Traffic at the Container Freight Stations (CFS) across India is increasing manyfolds. In order to tap the growing opportunity, we are expanding the capacity of our existing facilities and adding new CFS's at places like Dadri, Hyderabad, amongst others. Simultaneously in our endeavour to ensure high quality service to our clients, we have upgraded technology at these centres to enhance our productivity and quality. In light of the same, we have chosen to install the all-electric Kalmar E-One2 RTGs at the two of our busiest CFSs - Mumbai and Chennai. Choosing a partner like Cargotec (Kalmar) was an obvious choice given our experience of working with them previously. We trust the quality and efficiency of their products and expect them to add great value to our business."
This is the second order for Kalmar RTG cranes that Cargotec has received from an Indian container freight station operator. Following a significant contract for seven Kalmar RTGs for another customer, it underlines the significant potential demand for stacking gantry cranes within the Indian container terminal sector. Kalmar RTGs are not only operated at container freight stations, but also in ports, for example Gateway Terminals India (APMT Group) operates 40 Kalmar RTGs at the Port of Jawaharlal Nehru in Mumbai area.