The equipment will be in service by the end of July 2015, increasing the total number of Terexmachines delivered to this terminal operator to 118. These new straddle carriers will be equipped with eco-friendly diesel-electric drives and winter packages for enhanced operation, even in extremely cold conditions. The order includes comprehensive training of PNCT service staff.

“With the latest generation of machines from TPS, we plan to significantly increase the productivity and reliability of our operations and reduce the power consumption and pollutant emissions of our container terminal the long term,” says Scott Schoenfeld, Chief Operating Officer at PNCT. The twelve new Terex N SC 634 E straddle carriers for the handling of 1-over-2 high-cube containers are mainly used for the service between container cranes and stackyard, the eight higher Terex N SC 644 E straddle carriers with a stacking capacity of 1-over-3 high-cube containers are intended mainly for management of the container stackyard. The 20 new container handling machines are the first straddle carriers with diesel engines supplied to the USA which comply with the
requirements of the EPA Tier 4 final (EU Stage IV) emissions standard. “PNCT is pioneering eco-friendly, low-emission container handling in the USA with this investment in state-of-the-art technology”, comments Schoenfeld on the purchase of the N SC 634 E and
N SC 644 E straddle carriers. Lutz Wächter, General Manager of the TPS site at Würzburg, adds: “With this delivery to our longstanding customer PNCT, who we have been supplying continuously since the year 2000, the number of Terex straddle carriers sold to the US and Europe complying with the EPA Tier 4 final (EU Stage IV) standard has reached a total of 86 machines. This makes TPS the supplier in the market with the greatest experience of this drive technology for straddle carriers.”

In addition to its existing permanent service center for straddle carriers in the New Jersey area, TPS will provide its customer with astandby service technician from TPS in Würzburg for a period of 24 months. “By taking this step, we are satisfying a special request from PNCT and, in this way, aim to achieve higher availability of the straddle carrier fleet,” explains Joe Krider, Vice President Supra Region Americas, Terex Port Solutions.

This will be Konecranes’ second RTG delivery to Damietta. Damietta purchased six Konecranes RTGs in 2009, which have proven to be very popular with the crane operators. The Konecranes RTG cranes on order for Damietta are high-performance, 16-wheel RTGs with a lifting capacity of 40 tons, a stacking height of 1-over-5, and a stacking width of 7 plus truck lane wide. The RTGs will be equipped with Konecranes Active Load Control system, which prevents container sway and significantly improves container handling performance. The cranes are scheduled to be delivered, fully-erect, during the summer of 2016.

Admiral Mohamed Saad Zaghloul, Chairman of Branch Damietta Container & Cargo Handling Company, commented: “This investment is part of our expansion plans for the future and we are looking forward to receive these cranes, which will be similar to those already delivered by Konecranes. Our crane operators are very satisfied with the operational performance of these RTGs.”

“Winning this repeat order from Damietta is a clear sign that we are doing some important things right,” said Antti Halonen, Sales Manager, Port Cranes Konecranes. “I’m happy to continue the cooperation with Damietta that began in 2009, and I look forward to supporting their growth in the future.”

Named the Orwell Bulk Terminal, it replaces the former ‘Number 3’ warehouse on the River Orwell at Cliff Quay and will provide nearly an acre of purpose built storage for bulk commodities such as grain, barley and other agribulks. These can be stored more
than six metres within the new store, making best use of the limited space available within the Port of Ipswich.

Designed to minimise its impact on the environment, the terminal also has solar panels to provide a clean energy generating capacity of 120kw. The panels are linked to the network which powers the port estate, providing sustainable energy for customers and cutting the port’s carbon footprint. The terminal was constructed by local company RG Carter, which completed construction on time and on budget.

Ipswich MP Ben Gummer said: “The Port of Ipswich plays a vital role in the supply chain for businesses across East Anglia. This fantastic new facility will help support these businesses, will drive trade and will create jobs in Ipswich, our county
and our region.”

ABP Short Sea Ports Director Andrew Harston said: “Last year the port handled over 1.5 million tonnes of bulk cargo for East Anglian customers. It is an important and growing business for the port. The opening of the Orwell Bulk Terminal will help to
provide our customers with modern facilities.

“This is typical of the sort of partnership ABP is proud to provide, investing in world-class facilities to support growth in our customers’ businesses. We are delighted that The Grain Terminal (Ipswich) Limited and Clarkson Port Services will be extending their presence at Ipswich by using the terminal to provide storage and handling services to the agribulk market in the area.”

The Port of Ipswich plays a key role in the agricultural market which is central to the Suffolk economy. The port, along with its customers, supports over 1,800 jobs locally and contributes £122 million to the regional economy. ABP Chief Executive James Cooper, Ipswich MP Ben Gummer and ABP Short Seas Port Director Andrew Harston with guests for the official opening ceremony of the Orwell Bulk Terminal.