Duisburg Intermodal Terminal, or DIT, has integrated a new vehicle into their operations. A new hybrid reach stacker that has been developed by Konecranes has been added to the container logistics network. The new vehicle is expected to be delivered to the Contargo Terminal which is located in Emmelsum. DIT believe that the use of this new reach stacker will cut down costs as well as CO₂ emissions created by the company.
The heavy-load stacker that has been developed by Konecranes has a lifting capacity of 45 metric tons and it is thought to consume at least 30% less fuel than a diesel-driven model that is being used in normal operation. The Managing Director of DIT, Bernd Putens believes that the adoption of this new machine will help the company to take another step towards tor sustainability targets and plans to reduce their CO₂ emissions by 10% by 2020.
It is thought that the Konecranes machine will perform as well as its diesel counterpart while also offering saving for costs and emissions. Instead of just a diesel engine, the new hybrid reach stacker has both a diesel engine and an electrical generator and electric motor. The electric motor on the vehicle is used for driving the machine. The electrical motors also operate the power for the drive and lift functions. Energy taken during braking and load lowering is also fed back into the vehicle and stored to be used at a later date.
In addition to the addition to the hybrid reach stacker, the container positions have been moved in order to be in a more optimal location, allowing for the portal crane to stay still for as long as possible. Crane operators are also being educated in the different ways energy can be saved while working, and the DIT office has been fitted with LED lighting as another energy saving and cost effective measure.
DIT is a part of the Conargo Group, which is known for one of the largest container logistics network found in Europe. The company has 25 container terminals that are located in Germany, France, Switzerland and the Czech Republic and operates from seven offices also spread across Europe.
