The deal is a result of extensive development work between Cargotec and Messina Line to produce a forklift that is equally at home in the restricted space on board the ships as it is handling and stacking containers in the terminal yard.
Following extensive evaluation of the equipment available and a thorough reference process, Messina Line selected Cargotec for the suitability of its products for this highly specialist application and because the company was recommended by existing customers.
Thomas Malmborg, Vice President, Forklift Trucks at Cargotec, said: “With the customers’ precise requirements for a multifunctional, high specification forklift, we worked in close partnership with Messina Line to ensure its needs were met. As a result, we have developed a tailor-made product that will meet the material handling needs of this world-leading shipping firm – both in terminal and on board the ships.”
A key role in the deal was covered by Cargotec’s local organisation. Elio Crovetto, Terminal Sales Manager at Cargotec Italy, comments: “this is the result of more than one year of close cooperation with the customer. By evaluating the customer’s needs we have been able to offer them the right solution , the result are eight heavy fork lift trucks specially adapted for this versatile operation. This order further strengthens Cargotec’s presence in Italy.”
For the dual roles necessary for the new Kalmar heavy forklifts developed by Cargotec, the company required exacting specifications. Due to the physical constraints within their new ships’ RoRo holds, the mast had to be less than 5350mm and capable of lifting 33,000kg. As such, they have been equipped with an extra-low triplex free lift mast that enables operation inside the confined space of the vessel. This actually delivers a capacity of 42,000kg. They also feature a specialist carriage with sideshifter, fork positioner, fork shaft system and 110mm HRO forks.
Alternatively, for yard operations, the model specified needed to handle up to 35,000kg and the ability to stack four containers high. These criteria are met by the same versatile Kalmar DCF 420 forklift, fitted with inverted forks and a 20/40 top lift spreader.
Kalmar DCF forklifts were specifically developed for ports and terminals in response to growing customer demand for heavy-duty container handlers. In addition to their extremely powerful performance, they provide 360° visibility from the acclaimed Kalmar Spirit Delta cabin, enhanced by the open design of the mast and gantry. This provides the driver with an excellent view of the stack, container corners, twist-locks and spreader. Accuracy is ensured by a powerful electronic feedback and control system which allows the fine-tuning of the spreader to handle uneven levels or loads, and deliver precise mast tilt, extension and twist lock landing.
Founded in 1921, Messina Line has grown into a global business with over 1000 employees and a turnover in excess of EUR 300 million. It performs liner services between the main ports in the Mediterranean, East Mediterranean, North Africa, East Africa, West Africa, South Africa, Middle East and the Indian Subcontinent. Its four latest ships join an existing fleet of 14 specialist RoRo container vessels which makes it the second largest container operator in the world. All vessels, different in capacity and tonnage, can carry containers, special equipment, rolling cargo of all kinds, cars, unitised and break-bulk cargo.