Klaipėda Container Terminal receives exceptional handling equipment

Since the beginning of this year, KKT has acquired 7 new powerful pieces of equipment: 2 STS (Ship-To-Shore) cranes, 2 RTG (Rubber Tire Gantry) cranes, an Empty Container Lift and other handling equipment.

“These investments are aimed at maintaining the terminal’s competitiveness, ensuring a fast loading process and maintaining its leadership in the segment. It is important to mention that when investing in new handling equipment, we also assess its environmental impact, which is why we choose sustainable technologies,” says Vaidotas Šileika, CEO of Klaipėda Container Terminal.

According to V.Šileika, the largest part of the investment went to STS cranes, the total value of which amounted to EUR 16.4 million. They are designed for container handling from ship to shore and vice versa. The new equipment will replace the two old cranes that have been in operation so far. The powerful, state-of-the-art equipment will increase the efficiency of ship handling and reduce the time spent in port.

The new STS cranes – 65 t capacity with a 47 m boom – are designed to handle ships with 16 rows of containers on deck and their operators work at a height of 42 m, which is equivalent to a 14 storey building. These cranes use only electricity, reducing emissions.

According to the company’s CEO, another large part of the investment was for the purchase of hybrid RTG cranes for the transhipment of containers in the terminal area and for rail servicing. The RTG crane has a lifting capacity of 50 tonnes and the operator works at a height of 23 metres. The terminal now has 11 RTG cranes (including two new ones).

“The hybrid RTG cranes that are already in operation at our terminal are unique as they are the first of their kind in the Baltic States. They are distinguished by their lower operating costs, higher energy efficiency and environmental friendliness. They are a modern and advanced alternative to traditional RTG cranes,” says Vaidotas Šileika.

Both RTG and STS cranes are manufactured by Konecranes of Finland. They arrived at the terminal during the summer, were tested, commissioned and started operations in September.