PSA will be able to command and control its AGV fleet reliably and safely, through a robust wireless mesh network.

“VTT is honoured by this partnership, which represents a significant toehold for us in the Singapore market. We look forward to working closely with PSA, and fulfill their business requirements and operational needs of such sophisticated terminal systems,” said VTT’s Jouko Suokas, Executive Vice President, Business Solutions.

“PSA is leveraging on VTT’s expertise in wireless mesh networks to further integrate the automation and intelligent technologies we are implementing. These innovations will bolster our capabilities to operate the next-generation automated hub port, and to provide class-leading service, productivity and efficiency to our customers,” said Oh Bee Lock, Chief Operating Officer, PSA Singapore Terminals.

A wireless mesh network consists of a group of wireless devices which can boost the reliability and connectivity of the grid, by relaying and distributing data traffic from other devices within the network. These and other features can also be applied in similar places, such as railway yards and automated storage areas.

According to the preliminary figures, Konecranes’ third quarter 2013 order intake was approximately EUR 413 million, down 10 percent year-on-year. Approximately one-half or almost 5 percentage points of the order intake decline was explained by negative currency changes. Sales were approximately EUR 503 million and operating profit excluding restructuring costs approximately EUR 32 million. The operating margin excluding restructuring costs was approximately 6.4 percent.  

Both the cost base and the operating margin developed as expected in the third quarter of 2013. Group’s efficiency improvement program to lower the annual cost base by EUR 30 million by the end of 2014 is proceeding as planned.  

Konecranes expects the positive margin development to continue and fourth quarter 2013 operating profit to improve from the previous year. However, due to the weaker than expected order intake and unfavourable currency development in the third quarter, Konecranes no longer expects to meet the earlier financial guidance for 2013. 

The new financial guidance is: 
“Based on the order book and the near-term demand outlook, the year 2013 sales are expected to be slightly lower than in 2012. We expect the fourth quarter 2013 operating profit excluding restructuring costs to improve from the previous year. However, we expect the full-year 2013 operating profit excluding restructuring costs to be lower than in 2012.” 

The previous financial guidance was: 
“Based on the order book and the near-term demand outlook, the year 2013 sales are expected to be stable or slightly higher than in 2012. We expect the 2013 operating profit excluding restructuring costs to be approximately on the same level as in 2012.” 

The preliminary third quarter 2013 figures incorporate restructuring costs of approximately EUR 24 million (EUR 5 million cash-based and EUR 19 million non cash-based) related to the cost reduction program announced July 24, 2013.

Konecranes will release its January-September interim report October 23, 2013.

The port is critical to Jersey’s economy, being the principle supply hub for the majority of businesses on the island. The order was booked into Cargotec’s 2013 first quarter order intake and the machines were handed over in the third quarter.

Ian Jacobs, Managing Director at Solent Stevedores considers Kalmar to be an excellent partner: “In 2012, following a competitive tender, Solent Stevedores gained the licence for the nine-year stevedore contract from the Port of Jersey. Winning this stevedoring contract was a tremendous achievement for us and the acquisition of the new fleet demonstrates our long-term commitment to our customer Condor Ferries and their clients. The berthing schedules at the port are critical, and we had to ensure that we created sufficient capacity to handle traffic quickly and efficiently but above all safely. Kalmar is a dependable name and proved that they had good, reliable equipment for our RoRo operation. Kalmar TR618i features a tight turning circle of 21′ which improves their maneuverability. We also had the vehicle’s speed governed which helps them work in a controlled manner for health and safety requirements.

“Kalmar’s team assisted us every step of the way to help specify the equipment. It was an excellent experience from start to finish,” he added.

Kalmar terminal tractors can easily be adapted to meet the various needs of cargo handling in ports and terminals. They can handle semitrailers, terminal trailers for containers and roll trailers with goosenecks. For RoRo handling, Kalmar 4WD heavy duty tractors have a high tractive effort to easily climb steep ramps and perform tight turns on slippery decks.

The total contract value amounts to USD 460 million which is split between Van Oord and BAM International on an almost equal basis. It will take the consortium approximately three years to complete the project. The consortium will be responsible for the construction of the new terminal and marine access. The scope of work for Van Oord consists of the construction of a 1.5-km rock breakwater, reclamation of an area of 40 hectares, including soil improvement works, and the dredging of the access channel and turning basin. Van Oord will deploy a trailing suction hopper dredger, a cutter suction dredger and rock installation equipment. BAM International will construct the 650-metre quay wall, as well as the pavement, associated buildings and all utilities.

In 2011 APM Terminals signed a USD 992 million 33-year concession contract with the Costa Rican government to design, finance, construct, operate and maintain the new Moín Container Terminal on the Caribbean coast. 80% of the country’s maritime commerce is handled in the current port complex of Puerto Limon/Moín. APM Terminals will develop a world-class sustainable container terminal that modernises the port system to help Costa Rica achieve its economic ambitions. Not only will it increase the country’s international trade competitiveness, the terminal will reduce logistics costs through higher operating efficiency and enhance Costa Rica’s container cargo security reputation. The new port in Moín will attract additional international investment, create new jobs and business growth benefiting the country and region. The features and auxiliary facilities of the terminal, including the gate complex, will set new standards for customers, improve their logistics chain and reduce costs. The container handling equipment will be eco-friendly, featuring the latest developments in energy efficiency to reduce emissions.