Kalmar SmartPort TLS integrates new TraPac rail-mounted gantry cranes and conveyors

CARGOTEC CORPORATION, PRESS RELEASE, 18 DECEMBER 2013 AT 11 A.M. (EET)

Kalmar, part of Cargotec, has been awarded a contract for the integration of the controls for the new rail mounted gantry (RMG) cranes at the intermodal yard of TraPac Inc's terminal at the Port of Los Angeles. The RMGs will be supplied to TraPac by PACECO with the Kalmar Terminal Logistic System (TLS) ensuring they are integrated in the automated operations. TLS is part of the Kalmar SmartPort equipment automation portfolio.

The intermodal yard is a substantial part of the terminal, with 30 percent of the TEUs shipped inland by rail. To ensure that the containers can be scanned for radiation before they leave the yard by train, TraPac and Kalmar designed a conveyor solution to facilitate the movement of containers through the radiation scanner prior to being loaded on the rail cars. As part of the process, a Kalmar automated straddle carrier loads a container on the conveyor to allow for scanning, after which it takes the container to the train or an inspection area depending on the result of the scan. The conveyor is designed and delivered by Kalmar, with the automated controls being part of Kalmar SmartPort.

The Kalmar Terminal Logistic System is a flexible, equipment independent automation platform capable of supporting different types of equipment. At TraPac the system will integrate the automated stacking cranes (ASC), the automated straddle carrier operations, the RMGs and the conveyor in the intermodal yard. Kalmar acts as the system integrator of the terminal, providing a single integrated terminal automation system.

Jorma Tirkkonen, Senior Vice President, Automation at Kalmar: "The fact that we are able to support various types of equipment, both built by Kalmar and third parties, is a demonstration of the sound architecture of our automation solutions. This enables a full focus on the requirements of the application unrestricted by technical characteristics when working together with TraPac to establish solutions specific to its processes."

TraPac's automated straddle carriers will dray containers directly from the quay to the intermodal yard. Kalmar's automation software accommodates the interface between the cranes, straddles and conveyor, ensuring that the containers can be loaded onto the rail cars automatically. The remote control operation of the RMGs is enabled through the same remote control desks as used for the automated stacking crane operations. Remote monitoring is provided via the graphical user interface of the Terminal Logistic System.

In addition to the Terminal Logistic System (TLS), Kalmar SmartPort equipment automation solutions include ASCs, automated shuttle carriers (AutoShuttle™), automated straddle carriers (AutoStrad™) and the automated lashing platform.  Kalmar SmartPort solutions drive greater efficiencies through process and equipment automation, resulting in lower overall operational costs, improved safety and better equipment availability. Equipment automation solutions are designed to drive the greatest equipment efficiency in the business at the lowest possible operational cost.


For further information, please contact:
John Scott, Vice President, Sales, Kalmar, tel. +1 5308486027, john.scott@kalmarglobal.com

Maija Eklöf, Vice President, Communications, Kalmar, tel. +358 20 777 4096, maija.eklof@kalmarglobal.com 

Kalmar offers the widest range of cargo handling solutions and services to ports, terminals, distribution centres and to heavy industry. Kalmar is the industry forerunner in terminal automation and in energy efficient container handling, with one in four container movements around the globe being handled by a Kalmar solution. Through its extensive product portfolio, global service network and ability to enable a seamless integration of different terminal processes, Kalmar improves the efficiency of every move. www.kalmarglobal.com

Kalmar is part of Cargotec. Cargotec's sales totalled EUR 3.3 billion in 2012 and it employs approximately 10,000 people. Cargotec's class B shares are quoted on NASDAQ OMX Helsinki under symbol CGCBV. www.cargotec.com