A better way to travel

In-Depth 1 Jan 2016 by WCN Editorial

ZPMC is developing a low height straddle carrier and a so-called “Shuttle Trolley” for a new automated terminal in Tianjin

𝕏

The project has been delayed, due to the explosion at the port in 2015, but ZPMC expects it to proceed this year.

Due to the shape of the site, the terminal will have very long ASC blocks, running perpendicular to the quay. The blocks are 55 TEU-long, almost 400m, and the terminal operator is looking for a more energy efficient option for moving
some of the containers through the stacks.

This is something ZPMC first demonstrated on Changxing Island in 2007, when it launched its “flat trolley” twin 40ft system for moving two containers from one end of an ASC block to the other. Paceco has also developed something similar with its RailShuttle system. ZPMC’s latest Shuttle Trolley (pictured) runs on standard crane rails, and is powered off a conductor bar. With a weight of 10t, it is a much more energy efficient option for moving containers over a very long distance. The Shuttle Trolley rails will run underneath the ASC crane portal, and the trolley can be handled either by the straddle carrier directly, or by the ASC.

Another way to reduce ASC long travel is to design the yard for cantilever cranes. ZPMC senior engineer Liu Guangyu said this was considered, but it takes up more yard space, and complicates the traffic flow. The ZPMC straddle carrier,
covered on page 28 of this issue is a diesel/battery hybrid machine with six wheels, and will be manually operated initially.

Read this item in full
This complete item is approximately 300 words in length, and appeared in the January 2016 issue of WorldCargo News, on page 16. To access this issue download the PDF here.