Klang Container Terminal, at Northport, Port Klang, one of the few containers terminals in the world that relies on straddle carriers to support the landside operations, has acquired a further additional 17 units of straddle carriers to strengthen its container yard operations further.

According to the managing director of Klang Container Terminal Bhd/Klang Port Management Sdn Bhd, Basheer Hassan, the RM27.2 million investment would further enhance the land-side operation at the terminal which is witnessing a sustained increase in the volume of containers.

“We found straddle carriers as the best choice in handling the delivery and receival of containers. In view of that, we opted for straddle carrier than rubber tyred gantries. The first 10 units of straddle carriers will be placed at Klang Container Terminal and the second batch of seven units to Klang Port Container Terminal by August this year,” said Basher.

According to Basher the first batch of sixth generation units arrived in early March this year and was fully assembled at the port supervised by a technical team from Kalmar, Sweden.

The units partly will replace five old units and the additional units will serve to boost the current operating fleet of 82 units of straddle carriers.

He said the delivery of the new equipment was part of the company’s plan to create a supply driven terminal as Northport

According to the president of Kalmar industries (Asian Operations), Ken Loh, Northport is the first port in Malaysia to acquire the sixth generation SISU (SC2000) model straddle carrier which launched last year by Kalmar.

Ken said the new machines incorporate the latest features and specifications such as new innovative hoist system, which combines the benefit of the chain hoist and the traditional which rope which makes it a simple and reliable hoist equipment.

Ken said the straddle carriers’ cabins are placed in front and this adds greater advantage for the operator as it provides better visibility and safety while at work in the container yard.

Overall the new machines are more environmental and operator friendly thus assuring better productivity at all times. 

Meanwhile, Northport took delivery of two new pilot launches to facilitate the fast growing number of ship calls.

The RM3 million pilot boats are part of the fleet renewal programme carried by the operators to provide competitive and efficient pilotage service said the chairman of Northport Corporation Bhd (NCB), Tan Sri Dato’ Seri (Dr) Ahmad Sarji bin Abdul Hamid.

“The acquisitions of the new launches were aimed at ensuring that the necessary equipment and facilities to meet the ever increasing needs of customers are readily available. The new launches - Malim 4 and Malim 7 - are mounted with 420hp @ 2800 rpm caterpillar 3126TA diesel engines and can accommodate a crew of six,” said Ahmad Sarji 

“With these deliveries Northport’s marine services division has a fleet of 10 pilot launches. A total of 34 experienced pilots are currently engaged in the Marine services division and assisting in pilotage, tuggage, berthing /unberthing and mooring/unmooring services,” said Ahmad Sarji.