Handling efficiency for electric units
Compared with electro-hydraulic cargo cranes, variable frequency drive cranes “can offer superior cargo handling efficiency with up to 50% reduction in energy and fuel consumption”, says Jonas Hägglund of MacGregor Cranes, part of the Cargotec Group.
This statement follows a second order from Dalian Shipbuilding Industry Co in China, for MacGregor variable frequency drive (VFD) electric cranes. This order for 32 MacGregor electric cranes, which follows another order earlier this year for 16 units of the same type, has been specified for eight 3,900 TEU container ships which are being built at the yard for Singapore based Pacific International Lines (PIL). The deliveries are planned for 2014 and 2015.
Mr Hägglund also points out that along with fuel savings, the cranes have significantly lower service and spares costs plus an environmental saving, all of which results in a dramatically reduced carbon footprint.
“Substantial savings can also be made on cabling, about 1.4 tonnes for a 37,000 dwt handysize bulker, and through the use of smaller circuit breakers,” adds Mr Hägglund.
