Electric powered straddle carriers debuts at ports in 2016

KALMAR, a subsidiary of Cargotec Corporation is to unveil fast charging solution for electric powered shuttle and straddle carriers in 2016.

According to the company, the innovation is emission free and can be applied to both automated and manual operation.
The Kalmar Fast Charge solution is based on the same opportunity charging technology that is used in electric buses.

The charging station with a pantograph direct current charging system is located flexibly on the working route of the machines in the terminal.

Unveiling the product via a statement, the company said: “The machine has modern Lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries which enable fast charging to be used. Charging happens during the idle time in the machine working cycle when it has stopped to wait for the container.
“Typical charging time in operation is 30 to 180 seconds, and with the maximum charging power of 600 kW, full charge can be achieved in a few minutes”.
Vice President, Horizontal Transportation at Kalmar, Dr Tero Kokko said:”Customers have been asking for electric powered shuttle operation for a while already”.

The dramatic improvement in efficiency was achieved using the radically different and more cost effective approach of nano-pulse power, compared to the standard scrubbers typically used on vessels that require training for crews and maintenance

He added:“This technology makes the charging process smooth, as there is no need to take the machine out of operation for battery swapping. Neither is there a need to invest in battery swapping stations and extra batteries.  “Our hybrid technology has been extremely well received by the market. We have long experience in Lithium-Ion technology in hybrid machines, and this development is a natural next step in reducing emissions. This latest complement to our portfolio will provide excellent value to terminals which are facing even tighter environmental requirements.”

The Kalmar Fast Charge solution consists of electric powered shuttle or straddle carriers and fast charging stations. Kalmar said it continues  to test and verify the solution at the Tampere Technology and Competence Centre in Finland, with plans to bring the solution to the market during 2016.
Representatives of the company were at the just concluded 2015 Container conference in Dubail, United Arab Emirates.

Meanwhile, Hong Kong shipowners,  Tai Chong Cheang Steamship (TCC) and the University of Southern California have developed a new system for ships that has shown in a series of sea trials to cut nitrogen oxide emissions at the point of exhaust  90 per cent and reduced particulate matter up to 75 per cent.

The technology uses tailored electrical nano-pulses to change the underlying chemistry, either at the point of exhaust or during combustion, reported Maritime Executive of Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

The report said: “The dramatic improvement in efficiency was achieved using the radically different and more cost effective approach of nano-pulse power, compared to the standard scrubbers typically used on vessels that require training for crews and maintenance.
“The researchers have also conducted tests using the same technology towards improving the combustion efficiency in marine diesel engines so that they can operate at their optimal continuous rating output.
“The emissions research project was initiated and funded by TCC under the leadership of chief executive officer Kenneth Koo, as a corporate social responsibility initiative.
Koo said: “We believe that this game-changing solution will allow owners and managers to unshackle themselves from the present constraint of slow steaming as the only means to realise lower fuel consumption.”