The installation of the new straddle carriers is part of its development plans. This year it will extend its logistics area to a total of 500 hectare in preparation for an expected rise in handling to 1m TEU annually.

With container traffic on the rise, more and more port terminals are looking for fast and efficient ways to meet the demand. Heightening stacking blocks with taller straddle carriers expands storage capacity in a way that is flexible to the overall operation.

That Steveco has opted to extend its working relationship with Kalmar is no surprise, since the two companies have worked side by side in the Port of Kotka's maintenance area for years. Kalmar's own service workshop is located next to Steveco's, and daily interaction has guaranteed the continuous operation of the company's machines.

The new ESC440W machines will be capable of stacking 1over3 high, one container higher than those currently employed at the Mussalo Container Terminal in Kotka. The units will feature PLC electrically controlled engines, lowering exhaust emissions and reducing fuel consumption, plus enhanced CAN-bus PLC diagnostics system, fly-by-wire controls and AC drives.

The new machines will replace some of the 20 Kalmar straddle carriers already in operation, a selection of which will be transferred to Steveco's terminal operations at the Port of Vuosaari in Helsinki. Steveco has also commissioned Kalmar for the refurbishment of three Kalmar CSC 340 straddle carriers for its Helsinki operations. Delivery of the first units will commence this summer with the final machines expected to arrive in October 2008.