Bremerhaven’s Growth Gets a Lift
01 Jul 2007
Container handling equipment giant Kalmar has received a further straddle carrier order from MSC Gate Bremerhaven.
The order, for ten ESC440W EDRIVE straddle carriers with twinlift spreaders, is an additional option deal associated with the previous EDRIVE order from Bremerhaven earlier this year. Delivery of the ten new straddle carriers will be completed in March 2008.
The performance of the earlier ESC440W machines coupled with more challenging environmental considerations in the terminal area led MSC Gate Bremerhaven to exercise its option for more Kalmar 7th generation electric straddle carriers.
In the last two years traffic has increased considerably, by up to 30%, at MSC Gate Bremerhaven, fuelling the terminal’s demand for highly productive machines that incorporate low operating costs. The ESC units headed to Bremerhaven feature electrically controlled engines, which lower exhaust emissions and reduce fuel consumption.
The straddle carriers feature an improved automatic container search system, functioning in both longitudinal and crosswise directions, which ensures greater care in the handling of containers and allows for more precise operations.
MSC Gate Bremerhaven’s sensitive location close to a residential area means that the noise isolation capabilities of the ESC440Ws are also paramount. The straddle carriers’ soft landing system minimises the noise generated by the gripper locking onto the container and the subsequent positioning of containers on the stack or ground.
Kalmar’s updated 7th generation ESC440W straddle carrier offers a number of advancements over the 7th generation series. The electric and hydraulic systems have been fine-tuned to improve reliability and availability, while the updated and optimised control system has made it possible to further reduce fuel consumption and emissions. The units are also delivered ready for future automation.






