California United Terminals (CUT) in the Port of Long Beach has ordered five 16-wheel all-electric RTGs from KCI Konecranes. CUT is a new customer to KCI Konecranes and the latest order further advances KCI Konecranes’ position on the U.S. West Coast. The new cranes were ordered in the fourth quarter of 2005 and will be delivered at the end of August 2006. The value of the order is not disclosed.
CUT has an impressive history in cargo handling and the terminal is strategically located next to Long Beach Freeway, which provides quick transit connection to all of Southern California and beyond. In order to accommodate for increasing volumes at CUT, the latest investment in RTGs will replace older diesel hydraulic units currently used at the terminal’s container yard.
“This investment gives us increased capacity to serve our customers with quick and efficient turn-around of cargo,” says Mike Lingerfelt, President of California United Terminals. “We selected Konecranes’ RTGs because we need an all-electric environmentally friendly machine with an anti sway system that is superior and will be more productive than those of the competitors.”
“We know that the latest generation of RTGs are one of KCI Konecranes’ flagship cranes and that their strong reputation in design, engineering and construction is undisputed,” Mr. Lingerfelt continues. “If all works out the way we anticipate, we hope to see a growing relationship with KCI Konecranes, not only at the California United Terminals in Long Beach, California but also at our sister company Washington United Terminals in Tacoma, Washington.”
Commenting on the orders, Tuomas Saastamoinen, Sales Manager, Container Handling, says: “CUT is a new customer for us, so we are continuing to expand our global market share. Previous orders to the U.S. have primarily been concentrated to the East and Gulf Coasts. We are delighted that terminal operators on the West Coast are beginning to recognize that lower Total Cost of Ownership outweighs initial purchase price.”
Technical features of the RTGs
The 16-wheel all-electric RTGs have a lifting capacity of 50 tons and are capable of stacking containers one-over-five high and six plus truck lane wide. The RTGs feature many operational and environmental advantages and are fully equipped with modern technical features including Sway Prevention and Horizontal Fine Positioning Systems. Handling efficiency is achieved by high hoist, trolley traverse and gantry speeds. KCI Konecranes own AC Frequency Control System composes the most reliable drive for the RTGs.
All features are electromechanical, with no hydraulics involved. Eliminating the hydraulic systems and utilizing AC drives significantly reduces maintenance costs and emissions. Efficient fuel consumption and lower emissions are achieved by utilizing state-of-the art diesel engine and exhaust gas-handling technology. Sophisticated silencers are used for significantly lower noise levels. With the highest productivity and the lowest maintenance costs, fuel consumption, pollutant emissions and downtime in the industry, the Konecranes RTG has established itself globally as the state-of-the-art RTG crane.
Further information can be obtained from
Tuomas Saastamoinen, Sales Manager, Container Handling
Email: or phone +358 20 427 2662
This press release together with a downloadable picture is available at our web site www.konecranes.com.
The caption for the photograph reads:
“KCI Konecranes receives RTG-order from California United Terminals”
California United Terminals has an impressive history in cargo handling, dating back to 1920. Specialised in container and break-bulk shipments, CUT has developed a coast-wide reputation for quick, efficient turn-around of cargo and an unparalleled level of customer service. CUT is strategically located, directly across from the southern end of the Long Beach Freeway, enabling the quickest possible transit connection to all of Southern California and beyond.
About KCI Konecranes
KCI Konecranes is a world leading crane technology and service-company. Maintenance services are provided for cranes of every make. The product range includes light crane systems, heavy-duty cranes for process industries and shipyards, special harbour cranes for bulk materials and containers as well as reach stackers and lift trucks. In 2004, Group sales totalled EUR 728 million. The Group has 5,700 employees in 35 countries. KCI Konecranes is listed on the Helsinki Stock Exchange (symbol: KCI1V).
