The use of eco-friendly technology from Terex Port Solutions (TPS) was a key contributor to receiving this significant environmental prize. The organization honored the efforts and achievements by LBCT in reaching their target of zero emissions. A fleet of battery-driven Terex® Gottwald automated guided vehicles, known as battery AGVs, will play a key role in reaching their zero emission target. The battery AGVs are being deployed at LBCT’s new terminal and will be utilized for the horizontal container transport from quayside to stackyard.

The parent company of LBCT, Orient Overseas Container Line (OOCL) based in Hong Kong, ordered a total of 72 Terex Gottwald battery AGVs for its California terminal in spring 2013. The first 38 machines were delivered to Long Beach at the start of 2014 and have successfully completed their first test phase. They satisfy both the performance demands placed on them and the particularly high environmental requirements. According to Mr. Otto, “As a dynamic terminal in the second largest port in the USA, we have the chance to do something for the environment for the long term. Environmental protection is one of our basic corporate values, and the emission-free battery AGVs from TPS helps us to achieve it. These AGVs make a major contribution to LBCT being one of the most eco-friendly terminals in the world.”

“We congratulate LBCT on receiving the California Air Quality Award and are pleased that our battery AGVs contributed to this success”, says Klaus Peter Hoffmann, Vice President & Managing Director Terex Port Solutions. “The award shows how our eco-friendly technology also helps customers to implement the very highest standards. California is known for its very strict laws. The environmental criteria of the Port of Long Beach are also very high.” The Port of Long Beach demands maximum prevention as it relates to the emission of CO2, NOX and other particle emissions from terminal operators. California has for decades been among the pioneers in environmental protection. This was the key driver in the formation of the Coalition for Clean Air in 1971. As a result, the Coalition awards the environmental prize every year.

The battery AGVs for LBCT are the first machines of their type in the USA. They have a load capacity of 70 t each and can transport ISO containers, including 45-foot containers. The equipment includes a battery exchange station capable of exchanging batteries in two AGVs simultaneously utilizing emission free automation. In addition to the hardware, TPS supplies software including navigation and management software to operate the battery AGV fleet. The package also includes fleet management systems for the new ship-to-shore and gantry cranes. Hoffmann concludes: “Besides green technology, automation has been one of our most important innovation themes for decades. We have also systematically extended our software competence. We are particularly pleased that LBCT trusts TPS in all these areas and is experiencing success as a result.”

“As container slot capacity grows worldwide, an increasing number of empty containers are usually expected to fit into the same yard space, quickly,” says Chris van de Werdt, Sales Manager – Hyster Big Trucks. “The result is higher stacks, a significant increase in double handling and an extra shift a day in some cases. “The new 5-8 high Hyster empty container handlers are designed and built for the operational needs at terminals looking beyond 2020,” explains Chris. “They are fast and accurate delivering exceptional reliability where equipment availability is operation critical.”

Hyster offers nine different engagement system options on the new H18-23XM-12EC, designed for handling single containers or for the increasing trend of double handling. The machine will stack up to eight containers (two on six) high and helps to reduce cycle times when loading lorries, bringing two boxes down onto a truck, then lifting the top container ready for the next. It is also quick to reduce stack size when high wind speeds are expected.

“We have spreader options that can lift 20′, 40′ or 45′ on 40′ pick-up points easily and quickly, all of them designed to reduce the chance of miss-picks,” he says. “We also deliver spreaders capable of lifting 45′ boxes at 45′ pick-up points.”

Terminals are seeing higher volumes of different container widths which don’t usually present a problem for gantry crane, reachstacker or straddle carrier ‘top’ lifts, but can cause problems for some empty container handlers which handle from the side.

“Hyster has overcome this problem with systems that easily adjust from 2.44m to 2.50m, and sometimes 2.60m widths for single handling, and can provide systems to suit all needs,” he says, adding that the 600mm side shift for reefer correction comes as standard.

The new Hyster H18-23XM-12EC empty container handlers will also help operations reduce their fuel bill significantly, without loss of performance. The company claims that its Stage IV / Tier 4 final trucks deliver a 25% fuel saving compared with previous, and competitor, models. Hyster has proven data from many applications and says that a lower fuel usage without loss of performance can be achieved. Featuring the latest Cummins QSB 6.7 engine and a 5 speed ZF transmission, the 5th gear acts like an overdrive and lowers engine RPM by 30% whilst keeping the same drive speed. The powerful empty container handlers also have load sensing hydraulics which allows a high lifting speed at low RPM.

With engine, transmission and hydraulic protection systems, Hyster ensures excellent reliability in the most demanding port and terminal operations, whether in sub-zero or tropical conditions. Oil-immersed brakes, a ‘cooling on demand’ system and many other features ensure excellent reliability, as well as offering a low total cost of ownership. They are also faster to service. A selection of previous Hyster models is still available for sale to regions outside of the EU and North America.

“Even at 8 containers high, experienced drivers have extreme confidence in the Hyster empty container handler and are always quick to recommend the machine because they can perform better, more easily,” he says. “They enjoy the speed of response, low noise levels in the comfortable cabin, great visibility, low centre of gravity and great manoeuvrability.”

Hyster empty container handlers are used in ports all over the world and are supported by a global network of local Hyster distribution partners who play an important role in ensuring maximum uptime and optimising the lifetime costs of the machine. The Hyster Tracker fleet management system is available on all Hyster container handlers and provides further operational benefits such as tracking who drives the equipment and how they drive, monitoring productivity, fuel costs and mandatory daily checks.

Hyster offers a full range of materials handling equipment for ports, terminals and warehouses located in the port areas.