New Konecranes Noell Straddle Carriers Boost Efficiency and Reduce Emissions for Busy Terminal

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.  Remote service support is included in the Konecranes package and there is an option for two additional straddle carriers if operations continue to expand.

Replacing older machines to provide faster, more reliable container loading and unloading, the two new NSC 644E diesel-electric straddle carriers have a new engine design and a four-high container stacking capacity with Konecranes’ Noell single-lift spreaders.

Available throughout Australia, New Zealand and Asia-Pacific for container ports and intermodal/multi-modal terminals, “the new engine design reduces emissions and improves efficiency and productivity in the yard” said Konecranes UK sale and service Director Mr Neil Griffiths.  “And the remote service support allows us to monitor the machines in real time and make remote assessments when required.”

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.  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,.”

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.”