Building on almost 60 years of heritage in terminal tractor expertise and over 65,000 units manufactured, the new Kalmar T2 is set to work even in the harshest of environments. It is designed to operate both in the busiest distribution terminals as well as in heavier (LoLo) port operations.

Optimised operational performance
“The key features of the new Kalmar T2 are focused on driving down costs and optimising operational performance and flexibility,” says Chris Booth, Vice President, Terminal Tractors at Kalmar.

The clear-view cabin is built around the driver to deliver an uninterrupted view of the working environment. This helps improve safety and awareness through panoramic visibility. All major controls are designed to fall readily to hand for smooth operation.

The Kalmar T2 comes as standard with certification to meet roll-over and falling object protection standards (ROPS/FOPS) as well as noise reducing high-density cabin insulation.

With two points of access into the cabin and a flat rear access platform, the T2 speeds up the hooking-up process, reduces driver fatigue, improves productivity and lowers operating costs.

Reduced lifetime cost of ownership
“Improving cycle times for trailer movements is of vital importance when calculating cost of ownership. The new T2 provides optimum visibility and ease of use. This ensures that cycle times, machine damage and, ultimately, the cost of every trailer movement are reduced, allowing more movements per shift and greater throughput,” said Booth.

The new machine’s powertrain efficiency combined with electronic engine RPM management results in around 10% reduction in fuel consumption. This leads to average fuel savings in excess of 4,000 euros per truck, per year.

Kalmar is renowned for quality, robust construction – and the Kalmar T2 continues this heritage. The Kalmar T2 can be tailored to individual customers’ requirements thanks to manufacturing flexibility and modular construction, thus reducing cost by avoiding overspecifying the product. The chassis is based on the highly acclaimed Kalmar Ottawa T2, launched in the American markets in 2014.

Maximised availability and uptime
Service downtime is reduced through the use of service panels providing easy access to key components and consumable parts. Drivers can complete daily checks quickly and efficiently, maximising operating time. Revised suspension points mean less wear on components, while a fully-bolted and optionally-galvanised chassis ensures the strength to move the heaviest loads with ease.

“Our main concern is to keep our customers operational at all times. With key features built into the T2 such as quality construction, easily-accessible controls, and innovative fuel efficiency system, downtime and repairs are minimised and servicing costs are reduced. Kalmar’s service teams are close to wherever our customers are. Should there be need for support, all new Kalmar T2 terminal tractors come with a standard 2-year or 4,000-hour warranty, giving our customers peace of mind and helping to manage and further reduce operating costs,” Booth concluded.

The Port of Savannah moved 2.55 million TEU since the start of the calendar year, an additional 365,097 TEU. TEU grew by 4.4% (13,353 TEU) in August alone, for a total of 315,175 TEU.

“The authority’s policy of continuous reinvestment in port infrastructure has allowed Georgia’s deepwater ports to accommodate unprecedented freight expansion,” Foltz said. “Constant improvement in equipment and services helps Savannah maintain its position as the leading gateway to trade for the U.S. Southeast.”

During their monthly meeting the GPA board also approved expenditures of up to USD12.6 million for Phase 3 of Savannah’s yard crane electrification. The first two phases have been completed with a total of 19 rubber-tired gantry cranes operating within the eRTG system. Construction of the third phase will add four container rows, using 16 additional eRTGs. Reducing diesel consumption by 95% per crane, eRTGs will make up 25% of the GPA crane fleet by summer 2016.

“Electrifying the RTGs will reduce fuel and maintenance costs, as well as carbon emissions as GPA strives to be a leader in environmental stewardship,” said Board Vice Chairman James Allgood. “Increasing market share while strengthening our commitment to service, sustainability and safety is a key strategy for the GPA moving forward.”

Another project approved by the board Monday is the refurbishment of the concrete wharf at Mayor’s Point Terminal in Brunswick. The dock was built in 1983 and expanded in 1992. The improvements will secure the critical role Mayor’s Point plays in the export of Southeastern forest products.

Judges hailed ABP’s record of innovation in the freight sector, particularly the Immingham Renewable Fuels Terminal (IRFT) on the Humber, the UK’s most technically advanced biomass handling facility. The £130m terminal was also runner up in the Technical Development award category.

Tony Berkeley, RFG Chairman, said: “ABP is a well-deserved winner of the business of the year award. Its renewable fuels project at the port of Immingham is helping propel the biomass sector and is important in continuing to develop the future growth of biomass traffic on rail. ABP’s success is typical of many RFG members that are leading the way in innovation in the freight sector. Biomass innovation is particularly important as the coal market continues to see declining volumes.”

ABP Chief Executive James Cooper said: “Ports like Immingham are a vital part of the supply chain for businesses up and down Britain, facilitating trade and helping protect national energy security.

“Rail is key to allowing ports fulfil this role by providing an efficient and environmentally friendly means of moving goods and commodities to and from our ports. Together with our customers, ABP generates around one quarter of the UK’s rail freight.

“Helping to deliver the most efficient and effective rail services connecting our ports is an important part of our commitment to providing the highest standards of customer service and to promoting sustainable transport.”