Kalmar supports Transnet engineering and skills

News 23 Nov 2017 by WCN Editorial

The handover of the last of 23 Kalmar straddle carriers to Transnet Port Terminals for use in Durban marks a milestone in local content

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These latest diesel-electric machines were ordered in November 2016 for Durban Pier 2.

Over the last 15 years, Kalmar has delivered in excess of 150 straddle carriers to TPT. The significance of this latest order is that the machine structures were built locally in partnership with Transnet Engineering, the manufacturing division of Transnet that employs more than 12,000 people across six locations and has more than 130 depots in South Africa.

The straddle carrier components produced at the Transnet Engineering facility in Durban comply with strict European standards and are made to the same high standards as those produced by Kalmar in Europe.

The spreader beam was one of the key elements of this project. Kalmar had never before manufactured straddle carrier spreader beams outside its European supply chain. "The fabrication of this device is an extremely complex process as all the parts are manufactured independently before being assembled," said Kalmar.

Thamsanqa Jiyane, Transnet Engineering Chief Officer Advanced Manufacturing, said: "This was the first time our engineers had an opportunity to manufacture straddle carrier component kits with an OEM of Kalmar's calibre.

Amanlal Kumkaran, National Service Executive Manager Southern Africa, Kalmar, stated: "Since 2002, Kalmar has invested significantly on localisation and has always exceeded its supplier development commitments to the local economy."

The latest Kalmar machines to be supplied are 1 over 3, 40t SWL ESC 440s.