Cranes & Hoists

Kalmar launches new ASC system

Kalmar’s fifth generation automatic stacking crane

Kalmar, part of Cargotec, has introduced its next-generation automatic stacking crane (ASC) system.

Featuring future-proof technology, it is described as the most efficient and productive ASC system ever.

By enabling smooth and fast automation deployment, it allows terminals to deliver high throughput as well as a predictable and reliable performance.   

At the heart of the new ASC system is the Kalmar fifth-generation automatic stacking crane, which has an optimised lightweight structure with a 10 per cent weight reduction compared to previous generations, which decreases energy consumption and offers savings in operational costs.

Maintenance access, ergonomics and usability have been significantly improved, with a single-platform machinery trolley, segregated transformer house and a more spacious e-house. New AC drives that control IE2 class motors improve the energy efficiency, and also ensure spare parts availability throughout the future lifecycle of the system. The double drum hoist mechanisms with Max Stable rope reeving facilitates a more compact rope tower, whilst maintaining optimum stiffness for fast and accurate automated operation.

Profinet, the standard for time-critical industrial Ethernet, is used to reduce the number of components and the amount of cabling required, thus increasing reliability and overall productivity of the entire crane.   

Optimised terminal performance can be realised with an end-to-end automation solution consisting of automated truck handling on the landside, AutoShuttles as a horizontal transportation system on the quayside, and fifth generation Kalmar ASCs, all integrated by Kalmar TLS automation. Product innovations and upgrades continue to improve system efficiency for years to come.    

Development and testing of the ASC system have taken place at Kalmar`s world-class Technology and Competence Centre in Tampere, Finland.

“With our latest investment finalised by 2016, we will have a complete end-to-end ASC automation system in-house, featuring the new fifth generation ASC crane. This unique testing setup is expected to cut core system integration time by at least 20 per cent,” says Raimo Ukkonen, vice president, ASCs, Kalmar. The first fifth generation ASCs will be delivered to TraPac Inc terminal in Los Angeles, USA. 
Cargotec, of which Kalmar is part, had sales of approximately 3.4 billion euros ($3.69 billion) in 2014.

CARGOTEC ELSEWHERE

In other Cargotec news, Kalmar and PSA Sines have worked intensively together on a trial of semi-automation technology for rubber-tyred gantry (RTG) cranes at PSA Sines Container Terminal in Portugal. The terminal has piloted with one remote control (RC) desk and has placed an order for seven further desks to operate their latest fleet of 11 Kalmar RTGs, delivered earlier this year.

The terminal’s existing 11 Kalmar E-One RTGs are installed with fibre optics cable reel, and with Kalmar anti-sway technology they experience necessary load stability and control during remote operation. They benefit from the Kalmar SmartRail automated steering solution utilising GPS and Glonass satellite navigation, as well as the Kalmar SmartStack real time automated inventory reporting and management.  Additional remote control upgrades to be introduced will further improve operational performance.

MacGregor, part of Cargotec, has won contracts for its new lattice boom cranes (LBC) from Merkers Offshore, successfully negotiated and procured through Marine Commerce in Singapore. Four 20015-6045 LBC cranes will be installed on two offshore maintenance liftboats –equipped with 80 m jack-up legs – under construction at Jiangsu Dajin Heavy Industries in China. Delivery is scheduled for the third quarter of 2016.

Designed to meet the requirements of API-2C, which governs the design and construction of offshore pedestal mounted cranes installed on fixed or floating platform structures employed in drilling and production operations, each crane will have a SWL of 200 tonnes at 15 m outreach, or 60 tonnes at 45 m.

MacGregor developed its LBC cranes in response to rising demand in the offshore market. Although designed to target a very specific segment, MacGregor was able to take full advantage of its extensive experience of crane design and construction across the whole organisation during the development phase.

“The cranes will perform well in the harsh, corrosive conditions of the offshore industry,” said Mattias Sundström, sales and marketing director for MacGregor lattice boom cranes.w “Regardless of performance requirements, offshore equipment must, above all, be rugged, safe and reliable, because the offshore industry goes about its business in some very challenging environments.”