Gantry Crane for Intermodal Handling Arrives in Kiel

The new rubber-tyred gantry crane (RTG) for the intermodal terminal at the Ostuferhafen has arrived in Kiel. Where the rail/ship handling was done by Reach Stackers, the gantry crane will take over and load the rail wagons in future.

The crane, manufactured in Poland, arrived in Kiel with the heavy duty vessel “Meri” on April 15, 2013. The crane was unloaded through self-driving via the RO RO ramp at Berth Number Seven of Ostuferhafen.

Dr. Dirk Claus, Managing Director at Port of Kiel, said, “We are investing into the hinterland rail connection. It is our aim to further increase the share of rail transport in the port’s modal split.”

In the coming weeks, the RTG will be tested and receive its final finishing. It is intended to be put into service on Mai 31. Dirk Claus said, “Through the new gantry crane’s high loading speed, the efficiency of the intermodal terminal in Ostuferhafen is strongly increased once again. The transport chain rail/ship is further strengthened in its competitive position.”

The new portal frame, a rubber-tyred gantry crane is 30 meters wide and can span three rail tracks as well as the corresponding loading lanes. The lift height under spreader amounts to sound 12 meters, the total height of the gantry crane adds up to approximately 21 meters. The RTG can hoist trailers, containers, swap bodies and the like and comes with a lifting power of up to 45 tons. Moving the crane alongside the rail tracks is supported by GPS.

The device is an investment of 1.5 m Euro and has been subsidized with federal funds in line with the Directive for Subsidizing Handling Facilities in Intermodal Transport. The improved efficiency of the intermodal terminal stands in direct relation to further investments at Ostuferhafen. Hence, a new gate and the Yard-IT have already been put into operation. The extension of Berth Number One and the construction of a fourth warehouse have started. Next year, the expansion of the port area is also going to be completed.

The intermodal transport rail/ship is gaining more and more importance in Kiel. Last year, more than 20,000 consignments were loaded or unloaded in intermodal rail cargo alone. In addition, well over 2,500 containers were forwarded on block trains from Kiel to the overseas terminals in Hamburg. Through the daily shuttle train from and to Hamburg-Billwerder, Kiel is linked with all national and many international destinations of intermodal transport. Furthermore, complete block trains have operated twice weekly between Kiel and Verona in northern Italy since last autumn. In line with the increasing amount of cargo to be handled at the Port of Kiel, the volume of intermodal transport is also growing. The first quarter 2013 saw 20% more consignments for intermodal rail transport in Ostuferhafen and Schwedenkai.

www.portofkiel.com