By John Bambridge
Finland’s Konecranes has delivered 13 ‘empty container handlers’ (ECH) to Dubai-based port operator DP World for use in the container operations at its flagship Jebel Ali Port in the UAE.
The Konecranes SMV 7/8 ECC 90 can stack containers seven units high, and has a cabin equipped with low, corner-less windows for increased visibility and fewer blind spots.
A colour touchscreen display inside the cab also monitors fuel levels and tyre pressure, provides a rear camera view and can be used to select an ‘eco-drive’ mode or set to require a driver login.
The model, like all of the Konecranes’ lift trucks, is also equipped with the OEM’s ‘Truconnect’ telematics system for remotely monitoring operations and pre-emptively scheduling maintenance.
Abilash Kuvvakkat, lift trucks sales manager for Konecranes Middle East, noted: “Truconnect is a tool to visualise and path track the DP World fleet, while text and email alerts for any irregularities help keep the fleet up and running with minimal interruption.
“The order demonstrates Konecranes’ growing partnership with DP World, and we are proud to be a supplier for a company who places such an emphasis on quality and advanced technology.”
The delivery took place early this year and the reach stackers are already in operation at Jebel Ali Port, the largest container terminal in the Middle East and the global flagship facility for DP World.
The port is currently the subject of an expansion project to raise its total handling capacity to 22.1 million TEU (twenty-foot equivalent units) by 2018.
In all, DP World is involved with 77 marine and inland terminals across six continents.
