19 new hybrid straddle carriers reduce CO2 footprint of DP World Antwerp

On Wednesday morning 30th October 2019, 10 of a total of 19 new hybrid straddle carriers (HSC) arrived at DP World Antwerp Gateway at the Deurganck dock (quay 1700). The Kalmar machines arrived by ship from the port of Gdynia (Poland). The second load is expected in November. The hybrid strads help realize the environmental objectives of DP World and those of their customers.

66% hybrid fleet

DP World Antwerp bought its first 8 HSC in 2017, 15 more in 2018. With the current delivery, the total number of hybrid machines running around Antwerp Gateway is 43, which accounts for 66% of the entire fleet.

“The environmentally friendly Kalmar machines will replace the old diesels in the long term. The hybrids further reduce CO2 emissions per container movement. Antwerp Gateway currently uses 7.5 kg CO2 per container unit (TEU). Our objective is to reduce CO2 emissions by 2% each year,"says Suzanne Kwanten, HSSE director DP World Antwerp.

"For customers who attach importance to the CO2 image of the transport of their products, this is an important sign," says Steve Declercq, DP World Antwerp's Chief Business Officer. “We are noticing an increase in the role that the footprint of transport plays. DP World Antwerp wants to be a partner.” Earlier this week the AB Inbev beer train between Katoennatie and Antwerp Gateway was inaugurated in the presence of Flemish Prime Minister Jan Jambon. The use of hybrid machines can further reduce the CO2 footprint of products such as beer.

Semi-automated terminal

The purchase of the hybrid machies is part of the DP World Antwerp investment of 197 million euros in the expansion of its terminal. In the coming years, the terminal will be almost fully automated by installing additional automatic stacking cranes (ASCs). “For transport between the container cranes on the quay and the yard, we continue to use straddle carriers, which are more flexible. In this respect, we are talking about a semi-automated terminal, "says Jef Lambregts, Expansion Project Manager DP World Antwerp.

Economical and efficient

Straddle carriers are the bulk consumers of the terminal in terms of fuel, as the cranes operate on largely locally produced electricity. The hybrid Kalmar straddle carriers use 40% less fuel and emit a lot less CO2 than traditional machines. The lower fuel consumption is possible because the energy produced when braking or lowering containers is stored in special batteries on board. Innovative technology ensures an optimum balance between the diesel engine and the battery power.

The strads help to achieve DP World's environmental objectives. Innovative technologies such as a biogas installation, wind energy, automatic stacking cranes and hybrid straddle carriers ensure that DP World Antwerp is one of the greenest terminals in the port.