Leading UK multi-modal logistics company Maritime Transport Ltd Maritime) is enhancing the operational and environmental efficiency of its Birmingham Intermodal Freight Terminal (BIFT) with the addition of two new Konecranes Noell Straddle Carriers.
The two new Konecranes Noell NSC 644E diesel-electric straddle carriers – available throughout Australia, New Zealand and Asia-Pacific for container ports and intermodal/multi-modal terminals – have a four-high container stacking capacity with Konecranes’ Noell single-lift spreaders.
The new machines, with a new engine design, replaced older ones to provide faster, more reliable container loading and unloading. Remote service support from Konecranes is included, and there is an option for two additional straddle carriers if operations continue to expand.
“The new engine design reduces emissions and improves efficiency and productivity in the yard. And the remote service support allows us to monitor the machines in real time and make remote assessments when required,” said Mr Neil Griffiths, Sales and Service Director (UK) – Konecranes.
Mr Stuart Wardlaw, Fleet Director of Maritime, said, “We are committed to investing in our infrastructure to ensure we can deliver the best possible service to our customers, however unique their requirements are, and we look forward to taking advantage of the benefits these two new machines will bring to our day-to-day operations at BIFT.”
“Maritime acquired BIFT in 2014, and has grown the terminal’s operation from one daily service to five. Turnaround times for the rail hub are some of the best in the industry, and the new straddle carriers, now in operation, are a testament to the investment we continue to make in rail, proving our commitment to providing unrivalled services to our customers,” said Mr Wardlaw.
The new straddle carriers – which work alongside two Konecranes Rail Mounted Gantry (RMG) cranes at BIFT – are fitted with a Konecranes Noell spreader system, which enhances reliability and lowers running costs over the lifespan of the machines. The spreaders feature an automatic soft landing feature for smooth and safe container stacking and positioning.
Mr Griffiths said, “Konecranes’ UK port service team has provided BIFT with outstanding service and support, and this was a major factor in the decision to purchase the new straddle carriers.”
Konecranes has decades of experience as a leading supplier of cargo handling solutions for container ports and intermodal terminals.
The benefits of Konecranes Noell Straddle Carriers include:
- Lightweight construction with a low centre of gravity for optimised safety
- High travel speeds and outstanding manoeuvrability
- Eco-friendly drive options that require minimal energy and reduce emissions
- Outstanding accessibility and visibility over the whole working area, which enhances the operator’s safety and performance
- Low initial investment compared to other types of container handling equipment
Konecranes Noell Straddle Carriers are highly versatile. They can be tailored to suit particular ports or cargo handling applications, including semi-automated or fully automated operations.