Kalmar to deliver turnkey heightening of three ship-to-shore cranes for DP World Antwerp

Kalmar, part of Cargotec, has been awarded the contract to heighten three Kalmar ship-to-shore (STS) cranes operated by DP World Antwerp Gateway NV. The order was signed into Cargotec's first quarter of 2015 order intake, with the completion of the project scheduled to take place in the first quarter of 2016.

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Kalmar will be responsible for the turnkey project, including planning and engineering, the execution of the heightening, and commissioning. The cranes, which have been operational since 2005, are to be heightened by six metres to accommodate larger vessels entering the port. This is in anticipation of significant growth in container movements.

Rob Harrison, CEO of DP World Antwerp Gateway: "'Today's challenges in the port industry evolve around capacity and more and more upon capability. We at DP World Antwerp Gateway are confident in Kalmar being able to deliver this project and allowing us to meet these needs in a practical and effective manner. Ultimately collectively serving the demands of our shipping line customers."

Jelle van der Waal, Director Crane Upgrades in Kalmar EMEA North said, "Quality and operational efficiency are high on our agenda. With professional planning and execution of an upgrade project, disruption on the terminal's operational efficiency during the project can be minimised." He continues: "DP World is naturally a very important and long-standing customer to Kalmar. They are a progressive, forward-thinking organisation and totally focused on improving the efficiency of their container handling operations. I am delighted to work with them again."

The highly specialist operation will be achieved by inserting leg extensions underneath the portal beams in the existing flange junctions. The project will also include the installation of consequential structural reinforcements in crane travel and trolley travel direction. The heightening of the crane structure is achieved by means of jacking towers and hydraulic jacks, including all bracings for horizontal forces to ensure optimum safety during the process.