Eco-efficiency is at the fore of Associated British Port’s latest £1.6 million investment on the Humber.
Four Konecranes Reach Stackers are being used in the port of Immingham, all run on HVO (hydrogen vegetable oil), a renewable, fossil free version of diesel which can cut carbon emissions by 90%.
They also feature a Start/Stop function, which means the amount of time the engine is idle is cut, further assisting in reducing carbon emissions.
Simon Bird, Director of the Humber ports said: “These new Reach Stackers are part of an ongoing effort by ABP to invest in our infrastructure to enhance the service we offer to our customers. They will improve efficiency and help us improve our carbon footprint. It is part of a wider investment into more efficient plant and equipment over the next five years.
“We are investing in equipment of the highest quality that will help us maintain our productivity. Being eco-friendly helps align with our long-term commitment to the environment and sustainability.”
The Reach Stackers replace older equipment which had reached the end of their usable life. They will be used to move containers around the port and will be more efficient at travelling over longer distances.
The new equipment is also seen as more ergonomic, responsive, and easier to drive. It will also feature a lightweight spreader. This reduced spreader weight enables improvements on the reach stacker design and makes it possible to increase the lifting capacity in second and third container row.
As part of long-term investment into new equipment electric cranes are also being looked at, and later in the year 14 electric forklifts will arrive.
