Five new straddle carriers

The five new Kalmar ESC 440 diesel-electric straddle carriers were built in Port of Gdynia, Poland and shipped into the port aboard the specialist cargo ship Taiga Desgagnes.

The new straddles are the first phase of ‘taller’ straddles purchased by the port group in Scotland and will increase capacity of the container terminal by allowing containers to be stacked up to three high. Currently the stack is two high and with these new taller machines, the capacity of the container terminal will increase by 50%. The diesel-electric straddles are fuel efficient, low noise and feature a diesel-electric drive which fully complies with the latest exhaust emission regulations.

The straddles will be put into operation next month (March) following an induction period and training for the straddle drivers.