The net-zero opportunity for ports in Scotland

GordonFellerreports...

Ports are quite literally at the frontier of Scotland’ s trading arrangements.As well as providing the foundation for Scotland’ s trade with the world, the ports industry plays an important role in connecting communities in the country. Ferries are a vital part of the transport network and each year ports in Scotland handle 10.5 million domestic ferry passengers travelling both within Scotland as well as to and from Northern Ireland.

Here are a few key facts about Scottish ports: • 95% of trade comes through seaports • 67 million tonnes of freight handled by Scottish ports, 14% of the UK’ s total.This is equivalent to 13 tonnes of freight per person, double that of England. • 30,000+ commercial vessels called in Scottish ports in 2015, including 21,000 cargo vessels • 25% of Scotland’ s total annual freight tonnage is transported by water.

Ports are important not just in their traditional cargo handling roles.They have a long experience in supporting offshore energy, fishing, cruise and leisure markets.They provide vital locations for the development of offshore energy which are a key part of Scotland’ s energy, growth and decarbonisation agendas.The Scottish Ports Group published a report outlining six key policy priorities: connectivity, energy transition, consenting and the environment, cruise, Freeports and fishing.

The Scottish Ports Manifesto includes a number of key requests of the Scottish Government, including: • A new road investment programme to ensure that ‘last mile ’ connections to ports match the quality of Scotland’ s port infrastructure and reduce bottlenecks. • A review of the wider marine protection framework would be welcome to ensure that it protects and enhances habitats and species effectively without delaying sustainable development. •To support the return to cruising in Scotland when it is safe to do so. Caution is welcomed and expected but Government must listen to assurances regarding their safe practices and COVID-19 operation procedures. • For the Scottish Government to swiftly work with counterparts within the UK Government to launch bidding for Freeport status at their earliest opportunity, in order to minimise further delay and mitigate displacement.

Stuart Cresswell, Chair of the Scottish Ports Group and Port Manager,Ayr,Troon & Silloth (Associated British Ports), said that: “Scottish ports, and the key workers within them, play a fundamental role in ensuring vital supplies and provisions are delivered to the people of Scotland - a fact which we believe to be even more visible in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. ”

According to the report, the Scottish Government has developed a strategy to create a positive environment for Scottish maritime businesses and institutions to grow and prosper within a competitive international market.The country ’ s ports operate as commercial businesses, and they are working to adapt and develop to meet the demand of the maritime industry.

They identified the need for new development to support the various sectors using them. Some examples include: • The largest trust port investment in the UK will see Aberdeen South Harbour completed and open for business in October.The £350 expansion - the largest marine infrastructure project in the UK - was meant to open last year but has suffered months of delay thanks to Covid and the chief controller pulling out. Back in June, principal contractor Dragados pulled out of the scheme by mututal agreement. Just recently in January, Scottish National Investment Bank allocated a £30m load to the project. • A new fish market in Lerwick with boats. • Development of an ultra-deep-water port at DalesVoe in Lerwick is aimed at bringing the largest decommissioning projects to Scotland. • Stornoway ’ s development of a new multifunctional deep-water berth accommodating the largest cruise vessels as well as general cargo, renewables industry, oil & gas and ferry infrastructure.

Scottish Government recognises the impact the maritime sector has on the environment, and is working with shipbuilding industries at the forefront of devising technology advances to increase ship efficiency and create cleaner solutions. How can how Scotland’s ports and harbours tap into the potential created by the development of offshore wind?

Some of the answers are contained in a special report, entitled: Ports for Offshore Wind.

Having launched Scotland’ s first offshore wind leasing round for a decade, ScotWind Leasing Corp.is set to kick start Scotland’ s new generation of offshore wind farms and build new demand for operations and maintenance facilities to support major projects.

The special research report, carried out by leading technical consultants Arup, found that while Scotland already has a strong and thriving ports sector, there are various steps that could be taken to maximise the future potential of Scottish ports to host the major offshore wind projects set to come to Scotland.

These steps, if applied successfully, might help to ensure that Scotland’ s ports support the major expansion of offshore wind in Scotland, and help the country take a major stride towards Net Zero.

Among the core recommendations contained in the special report it’ s worth noting that these three stand out: • Taking steps to increase the port capacity that is suitable for large scale offshore wind developments. • Establishing a national strategic approach to how offshore wind port facilities are developed. • Developing new optimal operation and maintenance facilities which open up the right opportunities for Scotland’ s ports.

The Director of Marine for Crown Estate Scotland, Colin Palmer, said that: “this is an important piece of work which should act as a roadmap for both public and private sectors in Scotland to ensure that our ports and offshore wind sectors collaborate effectively and maximise the potential that offshore wind can bring to communities. Scotland has fantastic port facilities as well as some of the best offshore energy resources in the world; making sure these two are successfully aligned can help us take a giant leap towards our Net Zero commitments, and help to build a green economic recovery for Scotland. ”

Environment Secretary Roseanna Cunningham said that: “Scotland is already a world-leading destination for the development of low carbon energy and this study strengthens our status as a hub for global players. It also demonstrates the manufacturing and supply chain capabilities in Scotland that will help make a significant contribution to meeting our world-leading climate change targets and support the creation of green jobs. Encouraging, cross-sectoral collaborations in areas like energy and transport exemplify the opportunities available through our ‘Blue Economy ’ model, and the important role it will play in both our economic recovery from coronavirus and our path towards net-zero. ”

In February of this year, during a visit by PM Boris Johnson to Scotland, the Scottish and UK governments agreed to establish two green freeports in Scotland.This comes at a time when the UK government is promoting special economic zones, offering tax breaks and lower business tariffs, as one part of its “levelling-up ” agenda.

The idea has become embroiled in politics. The Scottish Greens criticised the plans as “ greenwashing ” .And they said it amounted to nothing more than a “ corporate giveaway ” .

If all goes according to plan, the open competitive bidding process begins in the spring of this year.Advocates for this approach are hoping that the new sites will open in 2023. Ministers from both the Scottish and UK governments will have a say in the assessment and selection process. Previously, after a number of sites were announced for England, these two governments were unable to agree on any plans to establish freeports north of the border.

Scottish ministers later said to the press that they would pursue an alternative “ green freeport” model, with additional standards around jobs and climate targets.

Scotland’ s Finance Secretary Kate Forbes had this to say in February: “We have been able to reach an agreement on a joint approach that enshrines the Scottish government’ s commitment to achieving net zero and embedding fair work practices through public investment.The establishment of green freeports will help us create new green jobs, deliver a just transition and support our economic transformation. ” The UK government has committed funding of £52m to the project and bidders will have to pledge to reach net zero by 2045.However, in the first major split from the SNP since they signed a power-sharing deal last year,the Scottish Greens criticised the plans as “ greenwashing ” .

In pushing forward with their strong criticisms of the plan, the Finance spokesman Ross Greer told BBC Radio ' s Good Morning Scotland programme that his party wanted nothing to do with “these so-called green freeports ” . Greer added this in his remarks to the press: “There is nothing genuinely green about them. Freeports are a really effective way to give tax relief and throw public money at multinational companies who are already doing their best to avoid tax.The SNP used to oppose freeports for exactly the same reason Scottish Greens still do. Internationally, freeports are associated with crime,money laundering,smuggling,low wages. ”

Furthermore, Greer said that there was “ no actual solid requirements ” to meet climate targets or stick to fair work practices, and that it was “ naive ” to expect large corporations to adhere to these rules.

Secretary Kate Forbes told BBC Scotland that all green freeport applicants would have to stick to their commitments to net zero targets and fair work: “If a bidder fails to do so, we would look at this very carefully.We would expect bidders who set out promises to meet those promises.They will be required to deliver robust decarbonisation plans, demonstrating how they will move to net zero. A bidder will not win without it. ”

Under the UK government’ s model, freeports are centred around at least one air, rail or sea port, but can extend up to 28 miles (45km) beyond. Forth Ports - which owns and operates seven ports on the east coast of Scotland - said it would be bidding to create a Firth of Forth green freeport.Other bidders have not yet been announced. But, in July last year, the Scottish government named nine areas being considered - Shetland, Orkney,Aberdeen with Peterhead, Montrose,Dundee,Cairnryan,the Firth of Forth and Glasgow city region.A Cromarty Firth consortium is also understood to be interested.

Freeports were one of PM Johnson ’ s big ideas to “level up ” the country. He thought they ’d bring new investment and jobs to areas that lag behind. But he had to change their name - they ’ re now “ green freeports ” here to win backing from the Scottish government. These low tax zones could give rise to a little Singapore on the Cromarty Firth, where goods can be imported, assembled and exported without the usual taxes and paperwork. Firms inside the freeport could pay lower rates ofVAT and employment tax.

Nicola Sturgeon ’ s team warns that could give rise to low wage, low value zones, which water down workers ’ rights and rules which protect the environment. So she ’ s insisted that firms inside green freeports should pay the living wage, and commit to net-zero targets on climate change, and inclusive growth in local communities.

If freeports don ’t offer incentives, why would employers want to move there at all?

If Scottish freeports are regulated more, will they be able to create new jobs, or compete with their English counterparts?

The Scottish government wants to avoid a stampede of firms moving into a low-tax zone, without adding anything to the Scottish economy. So it’ s happy to pour cold water on one of Boris Johnson ’ s dreams.

Ian Murray, Labour ’ s Shadow Scottish Secretary, said the agreement had been “delayed for months because the two governments disagreed over the name.As a result of their petty point-scoring, regions in England already have a head start. " The Scottish government and the UKTreasury will use their tax powers, including rates relief,to support the freeports.

Last year, the Scottish government said UK ministers risked undermining devolution if they set up the freeports in Scotland or Wales without the backing of devolved governments.

(Ex) PM Johnson said that he was “delighted that people across Scotland will reap the benefits that will come from having two new green freeports. Freeports will help to accelerate our plan to level up communities across the whole of the United Kingdom… They have the power to be truly transformational by creating jobs and investment opportunities to enable people to reach their potential. ”

Aberdeen Harbour will open in late 2022.

Stornoway Harbour is also scheduled to be opened in late 2022.

BrightBright futurefuture forfor IndianIndian portsports

TheIndiaBrandEquityFoundation(IBEF) isaTrustestablishedbytheDepartmentof CommerceinIndia.Itsprimaryobjectiveisto promoteBrandIndia.InMay,theorganisation releasedareportontheIndianportindustry. Herein,WPDpresentthefindings…

India,today,is well established as a credible business partner, preferred investment destination, rapidly growing market, provider of quality services and manufactured products; and, stands on the threshold of unprecedented growth.

According to the Ministry of Shipping, around 95% of India ' s trading by volume and 70% by value is done through maritime transport. India has 12 major and 205 notified minor and intermediate ports. Under the National Perspective Plan for Sagarmala, six new mega ports will be developed in the country.The Indian ports and shipping industry play a vital role in sustaining growth in the country ’ s trade and commerce.India is the sixteenth-largest maritime country in the world with a coastline of about 7,517 kms. India ’ s key ports had a capacity of 1,561 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) in FY21. Moreover, India ' s merchandise exports in FY22 were at USD 417.8 billion, up 40% from the previous year. In October 2021, India ’ s merchandise exports grew 43.05% year-on-year to reach USD 33.65 billion.

According to the report, there are four key drivers for the port industry in India:

Robust demand - The ports sector in India is being driven by high growth in external trade. - In FY22, all key ports in India handled 650.52 million tonnes of cargo traffic.

Attractive opportunities - The key ports are expected to deliver seven projects worth more than Rs. 2,000 crore (approx. USD 274 million) on a public-private partnership basis in FY22. - The Finance Minister proposed to double the ship recycling capacity of 4.5 million light displacement tonnes (LDT) by 2024; expected to generate additional employment opportunities in India. Policy support - In the Union Budget 2022-23, the total allocation for the Ministry of Shipping was Rs. 1,709.50 crore (approx. USD 223 million). - In July 2021, the Marine aids to Navigation Bill 2021 was passed by the Parliament, incorporating global best practices,technological developments and India ’ s obligations in this field.

Competitive advantage - India has a coastline which is over 7,517km, interspersed with more than 200 ports. - Most cargo ships that sail between East Asia and America, Europe and Africa pass through Indian territorial waters.

Strong support

The Indian Government is highly active in supporting the ports sector. It has allowed Foreign Direct Investment of up to 100% under the automatic route for port and harbour construction and maintenance projects. It has also facilitated a 10-year tax holiday to enterprises that develop, maintain and operate ports, inland waterways and inland ports.

Moreover, the Government has taken several measures to improve operational efficiency through mechanisation, deepening the draught and speedy evacuations. Some of the major initiatives taken by the government to promote the ports sector in India include:

- In November 2021, the Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways & Ayush, Sarbananda Sonowal, inaugurated the new Radars andVessel Traffic Management System of Cochin Port Trust.TheVTMS (Vessel Traffic Management System) commissioned in Cochin Port in 2009 has been upgraded with a stateof-the-art system consisting two new radars, one AIS Base station, threeVHF Radios and associated software & hardware installed at a cost of Rs. 5.8 crore (USD 772,161.66).

- In November 2021, Sonowal inaugurated the simultaneous launching of five vessels at Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL).

- In November 2021, the Union Minister of Culture andTourism,G Kishan Reddy,announced that the centre has sanctioned Rs. 100 crore (approx. USD 13 million) for Visakhapatnam port cruise terminal.

- The Draft Indian Ports Bill 2021, which was circulated in July 2021, aims to centralise the administration of minor ports that are currently managed by state governments.

- The InlandVessels Bill 2021 was approved by the Lok Sabha in July 2021. Instead of distinct regulations created by the states, the bill attempts to include a single legislation for the country.The registration certificate issued under the new law will be valid throughout the country and state approvals will not be necessary.The bill also establishes a single database for recording vessel and crew information on an Internet portal.

- In July 2021, the Marine Aids to Navigation Bill 2021 was passed by the Parliament, incorporating global best practices,technological developments and India ' s international obligations in this field.

- In June 2021, the Gujarat government provided approval to build a new jetty worth an estimated ~Rs. 192 crore (approx. USD 25 million) at Navlakhi port which has been in operation since 1939.

- In June 2021, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping andWaterways and Ministry of Culture signed an MoU for cooperation in development of National Maritime Heritage Complex in Gujarat.

- In June 2021, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways and Ministry of Civil Aviation signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to develop sea plane services in India.

- On May 10,2021,JNPT and New Mangalore Port handled 120 tonnes of medical oxygen on a priority basis owing to the pandemic.

- India is expected to begin full operations in Iran ’ s Chabahar Port by the end of May 2021. India is building two terminals at the port and will operate them for 10 years.

- In Union Budget 2020-21, the total allocation for the Ministry of Shipping was Rs. 1,702.35 crore (approx. USD 233 million).

The key ports are expected to deliver seven projects worth more than Rs. 2,000 crore (approx. USD 274 million) on a public-private partnership basis in FY22. Private sector investments in ports have steadily increased over the last five years, touching an all-time high of USD 2.35 billion by 2020.

- In Union Budget 2021, the government announced subsidy funding worth Rs. 1,624 crore (approx. USD 222 million) to Indian shipping companies to encourage merchant ship flagging in the country. - In February 2021, the Major Port Authorities Bill, 2020 was passed by the Parliament of India.The bill aims to decentralise decision-making and reinforce excellence in major port governance.

Myriad investments and developments

In addition to steps taken by the government, the report also highlights myriad projects and plans that are being put in place, or that have recently been executed, in order to drive the Indian port and shipping industry forward:

- India ’ s plan to invest USD 82 billion in port projects by 2035.

- Indian ports received cumulative FDI inflow worth USD 1.63 billion between April 2000 and June 2021.

- In October 2021, the Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, Kolkata, gave importers the opportunity to bring in vessels at the deep draughted anchorages located at Sagar, Sandheads and X Point.

- In October 2021,Adani Group announced that it wants to make Adani Port a net-zero carbon emitter by 2025 and power all its data centres with renewable energy by 2030. Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT) Special Economic Zone became the first of its kind operational port-based multi-product SEZ in India.

- The Competition Commission of India (CCI) approved Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone ’ s proposed acquisition of 10.40% equity investment in Gangavaram Port in September 2021.The 10.4% equity shareholding will be bought from the government of Andhra Pradesh.

- APSEZ (Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone) plans to become the world' s largest private port company by 2030.

- In July 2021,Adani Ports & Special Economic Zone stated that it has priced a USD 750 million senior unsecured dollar notes issuance with 20-year and 10.5-year tranches, with fixed coupons of 5.0% and 3.8%, respectively.

- In June 2021,APSEZ handled cargo volume of 75.69 MMT,registering a year-on-year growth of 83%, in the first quarter of FY 21-22.

- In July 2021, India ’ s merchandise exports reached USD 95 billion in the three months ended June. - In April 2021, the Competition Commission of India (CCI) approved the plan to acquire 89.6% Gangavaram Port Limited by APSEZ.

- In April 2021,Adani Ports signed an agreement withVishwa Samudra Holdings Pvt. Ltd., to acquire 25% stake of Adani Krishnapatnam Port Limited (Krishnapatnam Port) for a consideration of Rs. 2,800 crore (approx. USD 226 billion).

- In March 2021,APSEZ announced plans to acquire 58.1% stake in Gangavaram Port Limited for Rs. 36.04 billion (approx. USD 493 million).The port is currently owned by DVS Raju and family.

- In March 2021,Adani Ports announced to partner with John Keells Holdings and Sri Lankan PortsAuthority to develop and operate the West Container Terminal of the Colombo Port in Sri Lanka for 35 years.

- In February 2021, JNPT launched a solid waste management project as a part of its green port initiatives.

- In November 2020, Mormugoa Port Trust (MPT), operator of the western Indian port of Mormugoa, extended concessions on iron ore imports and export freight traffic until June 2021 to help ease India ' s iron ore shipping trade amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.

- In November 2020, JSW Infrastructure completed the acquisition of Chettinad Group ’ s port business for Rs 1,000 crore (approx. USD 135.50 million).This acquisition will enable JSW Infrastructure to gain ownership and operational control of a deep draught international coal terminal and a bulk terminal at Kamarajar Port Limited (KPL) as well as coal and bulk commodity terminal at New Mangalore Port Trust (NMPT).

- In October 2020,APSEZ completed the acquisition of Krishnapatnam Port Company Ltd. (KPCL) for an enterprise value of Rs 12,000 crore (approx. USD 1.63 billion)

- In July 2020,Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone (SEZ) Ltd, launched an offshore bond offering, raising USD 750 million.

- In January 2020, DP World launched a new rail service between Kochi and Bangalore to lower costs and reduce transit time between the two cities by >40%.

Konecranes Noell Sprinter Carrier

Kalmar and Konecranes continue to thrive despite merger setback

InMarchthisyearthemergerofFinlandbasedKonecranesandKalmarwasrejected, butbothcompaniescontinuetothrive andmaintaintheirpositionascompetitors inthemobilecontainerhandlingmarket. ThomasFrancisreports…

owards the end of March 2022, the UK

Competition & Markets Authority rejected the planned merger of Finlandbased Cargotec (parent company of Kalmar) and Konecranes.The completion of the planned merger would have required approvals from all relevant competition authorities from around the world. As a result, on 29 March 2022, Cargotec announced that the planned merger with Konecranes was cancelled. Cargotec also revealed a new, refocused strategy to drive sustainability and growth in profitable core businesses. Part of the strategy was to start planning an exit from the heavy crane business and aim to shift Kalmar ’ s focus towards ecoefficient mobile equipment including empty container handlers,reachstackers,forklift trucks, terminal tractors, straddle and shuttle carriers, Bromma spreaders as well as the entire Kalmar portfolio of services. In their half-year financial report January-June 2022,Cargotec reported that the second quarter of 2022 was quite successful.According to Cargotec ’ s CEO, MikaVehviläinen: “Our personnel did an excellent job in a challenging operating environment, making our good performance possible. Our orders received, order book and comparable operating profit reached all-time records.Also our sales grew significantly compared to the comparison period. ” Vehviläinen also revealed that Cargotec progressed determinedly with their new strategy, after the planned merger was cancelled. In May, the company announced plans to combine the strategic business units Kalmar Mobile Solutions and Kalmar Automation Solutions. Moving towards the next phase of Kalmar ’ s new journey, they would continue to drive electrification, automation, robotisation and digitalisation across the industry. “Our focus will be on solving our customers ’ challenges in these areas through investments and innovation, ” saidVehviläinen.

Part of the new strategy was also to exit Kalmar from the heavy crane business and in the second quarter,an agreement with China-based Rainbow Industries Co Ltd (RIC) was signed, whereby Kalmar would transfer heavy cranes ’ related intellectual properties and assets to RIC.This agreement would concern Kalmar rubber-tyred gantry cranes (RTG), rail-mounted gantry cranes (RMG),ship-to-shore cranes (STS) as well as automatic stacking cranes (ASC) which are currently assembled and manufactured at RIC’ s facility inTaicang, China. However, Kalmar would continue to offer crane automation and crane related services for its customers globally. RIC has been Cargotec ’ s Original Equipment Manufacturing (OEM) subcontractor providing assembly services for Cargotec ’ s business areas Kalmar and MacGregor since 2020 and prior to that Cargotec and Rainbow operated through a joint venture in China since 2013.

T

Konecranes

During the entire merger process Cargotec and Konecranes remained as fully independent, separate companies and competitors. It is therefore no surprise that Konecranes, in their January-June 2022 report, also announced some interesting developments.The company reported that continued high order intake and delivery capability issues, saw their order book break (again) a new record and was EUR 2.825 million at the end of June.

But the report reflected concerns about the volatility of worldwide demand due to the war in Ukraine and COVID-19 having increased inflation and material availability concerns. Component availability and other supply chain constraints, as well as COVID-19 related challenges, affected their revenues in all three segments of their activities in the second quarter.Eliminating the impact of price increases, sales decreased year-on-year in comparable currencies.

The report also touched on the good-overall long-term prospects related to global container handling as global container throughput continues to increase.As a result, activity remained high within ports, and Konecranes Port Solutions ’ orders grew by 47.3% in comparable currencies and totalled EUR404 million,including some large projects.In addition to material availability and COVID-19 related lockdowns, sales were again impacted by timing of customer deliveries and declined 2.0% year-on-year in comparable currencies.As a result, adjusted EBITA margin decreased to 6.7%. Despite the profitability decline, project execution remained on a good level.

In August 2022, Konecranes was busy delivering two Konecranes Noell Sprinter Carriers to Global Container Terminals (GCT) Bayonne, New Jersey, USA, as part of a continuing modernisation and upgrade of equipment project. The two Konecranes Noell Sprinter Carriers on order are of the type NSC 624 E, lifting containers 1-over-1 in a horizontal transport

role.They will reinforce the fleet of 17 Konecranes Noell Sprinter Carriers that GCT Bayonne already operates.This manually operated fleet transports containers between the quayside and the container yard, which comprises automated RMGs and manually operated RTGs, both supplied by Konecranes.

The Sprinter Carriers on order are equipped with eco-efficient Tier 4f diesel-electric drives that comply with the latest emission standards of the Environmental Protection Agency in the USA and the EU.The machines will be equipped with diesel particulate filters that greatly reduce NOx emissions and soot particles. Their control systems are intelligent, running the diesel engine in an optimum RPM range for maximum eco-efficiency.The order was awarded back in September 2021.

Also in September 2021, Hamburger Hafen und Logistik AG (HHLA), ordered an additional 11 Konecranes Gottwald automated guided vehicles (AGVs) for operations at its Container Terminal Altenwerder (CTA) in Hamburg, Germany. They were ordered under a frame agreement with Konecranes and are part of a long-term project to replace old diesel-electric AGVs with new ones powered by lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries. Using advanced technology and a high level of automation,the CTA terminal in Hamburg is the world’ s first container facility to be certified climate-neutral. “This AGV renewal programme is a big part of how we are taking responsibility to protect the environment.The transition to purely electric drive technology gives us the opportunity to charge the AGV batteries with electricity from renewable energy sources, ” said Thomas Förster, Head of Terminal Technology, CTA.

The 11 Konecranes Gottwald AGVs on order are software-controlled container transporters that travel between the quay cranes and container storage yard.They have an optimised design with low vehicle weight while providing high load capacities.Their Li-ion batteries provide cost-effectiveness combined with low environmental impact.When power storage is low, they replenish their batteries by driving into any one of the 18 automated charging system (ACS) stations located around the terminal for fast charging. Delivery is expected in early 2023 and when they arrive, the total number of Li-ion AGVs on-site will be 95.

Konecranes has also completed their contract with Long Beach Container Terminal for 30 additional Konecranes Gottwald Automated GuidedVehicles (AGVs).The order, which was awarded back in March 2020, also included a Battery Exchange System (BES), transponder navigation and a fence control safety system.

Before the arrival of the new units Long Beach ContainerTerminal (LBCT) operated already a fleet of 72 lead-acid, battery-driven Konecranes GottwaldAGVs.In a separate order,Konecranes will also provide pre-engineering for a second BES that will be installed for redundancy reasons as part of the final phase of the terminal’ s construction. It will have an improved design resulting from operational knowledge drawn from the initial BES.

“LBCT is very pleased with the performance of our first fleet of AGVs.We will now be increasing this fleet as part of the completion of the final phase of the new terminal’ s construction currently underway and scheduled to be finished in early 2022, ” said Anthony Otto, President of LBCT LLC.

LBCT uses the TEAMS Equipment Control System (ECS) from The Netherlands-based TBA Group (part of Konecranes) to manage travel orders, optimise routes and avoid deadlock situations in the operation of the AGV fleet.This system will be updated to reflect the expanded AGV fleet and its expanded operational range.

In June 2022, Konecranes announced it would offer the Li-ion battery Konecranes Noell straddle carrier as a system, complete with charging station.Similar Li-ion battery technology is used in Konecranes Gottwald AGVs, from

Kalmar received an order from the Port of Virginia for their Hybrid Shuttle Carriers for the Virginia International Gateway.

which a large body of field experience has been drawn in terms of 24/7 operation and battery lifetime.

The battery AGV earned acceptance and became established in large fleets at major container terminals some 15 years ago. Meanwhile, a transition from lead-acid to Li-ion battery technology occurred, which was a major leap forward.Over the years,Konecranes has accumulated a large body of knowledge about batteries and electric power management. This knowledge has been used to introduce battery AGVs, hybrid RTGs, hybrid straddle carriers and a battery-driven forklift truck, the E-VER. Now is the time for battery-driven, large container handling machines according to Konecranes.

Kalmar orders

Back in June,APMTerminals inTangiers,Morocco, awarded Kalmar a repeat order for shuttle carriers for their next expansion programme. The first phase of the project consisted of 42 shuttle carriers between 2016 and 2020.As a next step in the collaboration,APM Terminals selected Kalmar to deliver 23 additional units - manually-driven,semi-automated hybrid shuttle carriers.The latest batch of shuttles are in support of APM Terminals ’ expansion of their newest facility TM2 in Tangiers, Morocco.

The units to be delivered will be integrated into theTerminal Operation System via KalmarOne software, complemented by professional services, maintenance and support. “Kalmar ’ s fleet of semi-automated hybrid AutoStrad solution will help us reduce CO2 emissions and ensure high productivity as part of our terminal modernisation initiatives, ” said Jack Craig,Vice President,Global Head of Operations at APM Terminals. In addition,and this has been planned since 2019, APM Terminals has also completed an order for 62 Kalmar Hybrid AutoStrads for their Los Angeles facility.This unique, eco-efficient, horizontal transportation solution operating between the vessels and truck lanes has removed significant safety risks and driven faster gate turntimes for the local customers during a period of unprecedented volumes in the port.

In August 2022, Kalmar announced it was awarded a contract from the Port ofVirginia for 11 Kalmar hybrid shuttle carriers.This large order is the sixth consecutive order of hybrid shuttle carriers from the deepwater port on the US East Coast.

All of the new units will be delivered to Virginia International Gateway (VIG), one of the port’ s primary container terminals and capable of handling the biggest vessels in the Atlantic trade.The Port ofVirginia has been using Kalmar Hybrid Shuttle Carriers since August 2015.

Once the machines are delivered in the third quarter 2023, the port will have altogether 103 Kalmar Hybrid Shuttle Carriers in operation between their two terminals.

The new machines are a crucial next step in the Port ofVirginia ’ s commitment to Net-Zero Carbon Emissions by 2040, and will directly replace the Kalmar diesel-hydraulic shuttle carriers that were delivered during the terminal’ s grand opening in 2007. “The Port ofVirginia has already surpassed a 32% reduction in CO2 emissions since 2017, which is largely due to the long-term strategic decision to transition the shuttle carrier fleet to Kalmar hybrids, ” said Rich Ceci, Senior Vice President of Technology and Projects, Port ofVirginia.

In June 2022, Kalmar also reported orders for their Straddle Carriers including 12 diesel-electric straddle carriers to Forth Ports Limited. Seven of the machines will be operated at the London Container Terminal (Tilbury) and the remaining five at Forth Ports Grangemouth.These new units are driven by a highly efficient diesel-electric power unit and offers excellent manoeuvrability, quiet operation and easy maintenance.The spacious, ergonomic cabin and intuitive user interface improve productivity by ensuring that operators benefit from the best possible driving experience.

They also comply with the latest exhaust emission regulations. Delivery of the machines is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2022.

Earlier that month, it was revealed that Kalmar signed an agreement at the end of 2021 with NTB North SeaTerminal Bremerhaven GmbH & Co, Germany, to supply 12 hybrid Kalmar straddle carriers for their container terminal operations and that NTB complemented the order with an additional batch of 15 hybrid Kalmar straddle carriers in June 2022, bringing the order to a total of 27 straddle carriers. “This investment in hybrid technology will help us pave the way for a more eco-efficient future at our terminal, “ said Sören Krüger, General Manager Finance and Administration, NTB.

NTB North SeaTerminal Bremerhaven GmbH & Co (NTB) is one of the largest European container terminals handling over 3 millionTEU annually, serving about 45 ships per week in Bremerhaven, using six berths for large ships and a container yard of more than 1 million square meters.

Konecranes now offer Li-ion batteries on their range of AGVs.