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Victoria International Container Terminal deployed four new Kalmar hybrid automatic container carriers at the Port of Melbourne, Australia
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The new ACCs form part of VICT’s expansion program aimed at increasing annual capacity to over 1.6 million TEUs
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The hybrid ACCs feature twin-box lifting capability of up to 60 tons and are equipped with lithium-ion battery systems that enable energy recovery during operations, which translate to 40% increase in energy efficiency and up to 50-ton reduction in carbon emissions per unit annually
Victoria International Container Terminal (VICT), International Container Terminal Services, Inc.’s (ICTSI) fully-automated operations at the Port of Melbourne in Australia, has deployed four new Kalmar hybrid automatic container carriers (ACC) following their commissioning and operational integration over the past several weeks.
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, ICTSI said in a statement.
Kalmar executives attended the handover ceremony on May 26, alongside VICT management and operations personnel.
“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,” VICT chief executive officer Bruno Porchietto said.
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.” Kalmar and VICT had been partners since the latter started terminal operations in 2017.
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% increase in energy efficiency and up to 50-ton reduction in carbon emissions per unit annually.
Kalmar also 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. ICTSI said the equipment rollout marks another milestone in VICT’s continuing efforts to enhance productivity and cater to global trade requirements.
VICT operates and manages the Webb Dock East terminal in Port of Melbourne. Early this year, VICT and the Port of Melbourne Operations Pty Ltd. signed the contract extending VICT’s contract expiry from 2040 to 2066.
READ: ICTSI net income in Q1 jumps 23% on higher volume, new terminals
