Kalmar and OCHA continue long-standing cooperation in training of straddle carrier drivers

Kalmar, part of Cargotec, continues its long-standing cooperation with the training centre for port workers, OCHA. OCHA is adding a second Kalmar electric straddle carrier to its fleet in order to meet increasing demand for trained drivers at the Port of Antwerp and abroad. The existing straddle carrier will be refurbished as part of the order, and both machines will be covered by a Kalmar Care maintenance contract.

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With four straddle carrier operators at the port and increasing container volumes, there is constant demand for trained drivers. OCHA has been training straddle carrier drivers using Kalmar equipment since 2003, and the new machine will help the organisation expand its training capacity significantly. 

Last year OCHA trained 3,070 people and conducted 659 training programs for port workers. The straddle carrier training programme comprises one week on simulators followed by two weeks on real machines. After this, the drivers are ready to commence real port operations.

Ann Baats, Manager at OCHA, says: "Our operations have grown steadily over the years, from a relatively small training centre to a larger-scale comprehensive training facility with special focus on crane and straddle carrier operations. Kalmar equipment supported by a comprehensive maintenance contract will continue to play a key role in facilitating our multifaceted training offering, ensuring a safe, high quality and productive workforce in the Port of Antwerp and abroad."

Damien Cols, Director, Strategic Accounts at Kalmar, says: "We are pleased to continue our long-standing relationship with OCHA by providing reliable equipment that offers the best possible hands-on training experience. We understand how valuable this training is in supporting safe and efficient cargo handling."