Hybrid automatic container carriers boost eco-efficient operations at Victoria International Container Terminal
Victoria International Container Terminal (VICT), International Container Terminal Services, Inc.’s (ICTSI) fully automated operations at the Port of Melbourne, Australia, has deployed four new Kalmar hybrid automatic container carriers (ACC) following their successful commissioning and operational integration over the past several weeks.
Kalmar executives attended the handover ceremony on May 26, including Sami Niiranen, president and chief executive officer, alongside VICT management and operations personnel.
The new ACCs form part of VICT’s expansion program aimed at increasing annual capacity to over 1.6 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) while supporting more efficient and sustainable terminal operations.
“These new ACCs strengthen our landside capabilities while supporting our long-term sustainability goals. This investment reflects our commitment to expanding terminal capacity, improving efficiency and adopting technologies that lessen the environmental impact of our operations. We appreciate the successful partnership with Kalmar, which has enabled us to set a high standard of port operations in Australia,” said Bruno Porchietto, VICT chief executive officer.
Karri Keskinen, Kalmar head of Global Sales, said: “This project builds on our long and successful history of cooperation with Victoria International Container Terminal. The new ACCs will help to increase productivity and support the terminal to meet their customers’ needs in a reliable way.”
The ACCs were designed to increase productivity by minimizing loading times. VICT and Kalmar worked together on several custom upgrades targeting improved levels of efficiency.
The hybrid ACCs feature twin-box lifting capability of up to 60 tons. They are equipped with lithium-ion battery systems that enable energy recovery during operations, which translate to 40 percent increase in energy efficiency and up to 50-ton reduction in carbon emissions per unit annually.
Kalmar likewise highlighted the importance of collaboration and innovation to support the evolving needs of modern container terminals. The container and industrial material handling pioneer has been supporting VICT since the start of terminal operations in 2017.
VICT is the only fully automated container terminal in the southern hemisphere. The equipment rollout marks another milestone in VICT’s continuing efforts to enhance productivity and cater to global trade requirements.
Bruno Porchietto (fourth from left), VICT chief executive officer, and Sami Niiranen (fifth from left), Kalmar chief executive officer, with other VICT and Kalmar personnel during the official handover of the new automatic container carriers.