DP World Southampton Goes Green with Hybrid Straddle Carriers

As part of DP World Southampton’s commitment to environmental initiatives, the terminal’s first two hybrid straddle carriers have been commissioned into operation.   

The two machines, one 3 high and one 4 high, were manufactured by Kalmar and formed part of a larger order of replacement and additional straddle carriers.    

Talking about the hybrid straddle carriers, Steve McCrindle, Operations Manager, commented:

“It is extremely important that we purchase equipment that enables us to provide a reliable and efficient service to our customers whilst still focussed on the environment.  We have chosen to trial the hybrid straddle carriers within our fleet to see for ourselves if they can achieve the same reliability and productivity as a standard straddle carrier with the additional benefits of fuel savings and reduced CO2 emissions.”

The hybrid system allows the straddle carrier’s hoist motor to be used as a generator when lowering containers, the energy produced is then stored until needed.  Similarly, when the machine brakes or decelerates, energy can be drawn from the drive system and stored.  The machine’s supercapacitor energy storage system uses the saved energy before making further demands on the diesel engine.  This can provide 25-30% fuel savings and reduce CO2  emissions by 50 tonnes per straddle carrier per year.