Kalmar and Port of Tauranga add hybrid straddle carriers

Kalmar has secured a large order from long-term customer the Port of Tauranga in New Zealand for four Kalmar hybrid straddle carriers. The order was booked in Cargotec’s Q2 2023 order intake, with delivery scheduled for Q4 of 2023.

The Port of Tauranga, located on New Zealand’s North Island, is the country’s largest container terminal and its premier freight gateway, handling around 25 million tons of cargo and 1.2 million TEU a year. The port boasts significant land holdings and unrivalled sea, road and rail connections, and it has invested significant capital in recent years to enable it to process the largest container vessels visiting New Zealand today. Its equipment fleet already includes a number of Kalmar straddle carriers, including three hybrid models purchased in 2020.

Dan Kneebone, property & infrastructure manager at Port of Tauranga, said, “We purchased our first Kalmar straddle carriers back in 2000 and those machines are still fully functional after 22 years. We aim to be carbon-zero by 2050 and to reduce our emissions by 5% per year relative to cargo volumes. To achieve this target we need to renew our fleet with eco-efficient equipment. We’ve had great success with our three existing hybrids, which are around 25% more fuel efficient than our diesel-electric fleet.”

Allan M. Baker, sales director of Asia Pacific, Kalmar, said, “As a loyal Kalmar customer of over 20 years, Kalmar is very pleased to continue our collaboration with the Port of Tauranga. Our hybrid straddle carriers, which can cut fuel consumption by up to 40% compared to equivalent diesel-powered machines, will have an important role in helping the port both meet its tough carbon-reduction targets and fulfil its ambitious growth plans.”