The acquisition is a strategic step for Kalmar to become a major global crane refurbishment and services provider. Kalmar has been a minority shareholder with 30 percent ownership in the company since 2007.
Mareiport is a privately owned company established in 1985 in Algeciras, Spain. The company has been providing maintenance services for ports and terminals and refurbishment and heightening services for a large variety of different cranes, including quay cranes, rubber tyred gantry cranes, bulk cranes and large shipyard cranes especially in the Mediterranean area. In 2012, Mareiport’s sales totalled approximately EUR 20 million and it employs approximately 250 people.
“There are about 5,000 units of quay cranes in operation globally. A majority of them have been in operation over ten years and are in need of refurbishments and upgrades. At the same time, our customers are looking for modifications and upgrades to their existing quay cranes to handle ever larger vessels. By acquiring full ownership in Mareiport, Kalmar will expand its crane services and refurbishment capabilities especially in Southern Europe, Middle East and Africa and together with our existing competences in Central Europe, South East Asia and East Coast USA we will be able to respond to the growing customer needs globally,” says Olli Isotalo, President of Kalmar.
Kalmar has successfully delivered crane heightening projects globally utilising its advanced crane jacking system and modern technology adaptable to old crane design. Crane heightening and refurbishment is a good solution for customers who are looking for improved crane capacity with higher stacking height and extended reach at minimum cost. With dedicated technology and an experienced team, crane heightening projects can be completed in a few weeks securing minimum equipment downtime. Kalmar’s crane refurbishment and heightening services fit to all equipment brands on the market.