The 12 Kalmar ESC440 carriers’ low-emission engine technology can accommodate a transition to alternative non-fossil fuels, with the use of alternative fuel types providing the opportunity to significantly reduce Forth Ports’ greenhouse gas emissions.
The straddle carriers have a 40t load-carrying capacity capable of handling the full range of container sizes. The carriers will be fitted with verified gross mass (VGM) weighing capability to weigh the containers.
The 12 new straddles are part of the group’s equipment replacement programme.
Stuart Wallace, chief operating officer at Forth Ports, said: “Our container terminals in Tilbury and Grangemouth are key shipping and distribution locations and it’s essential that we keep investing in our equipment and infrastructure to ensure that we continue to deliver industry-leading service provision. We are always impressed with Kalmar’s straddle carriers and these are our straddle of choice.
“Upgrading our machinery and plant to low-carbon alternatives is at the core of the Forth Green Freeport decarbonisation plan [at the Grangemouth location]. It is also a central focus for our operations in Tilbury and across the Thames Freeport.”
The straddle carriers were shipped from Kalmar’s facility in Poland aboard the specialist vessel the MV Aura, which delivered five to the Port of Grangemouth and then sailed down the east coast to the London Container Terminal in Tilbury with the remaining seven machines.
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