Dubai Ports World (DP World) says its operations at DP World Melbourne have been boosted with the addition of eight new energy efficient diesel-hydraulic straddle carriers.
The Noell Diesel Electric Straddle Carriers are the first of a batch of 16 destined for the port, and they are designed to better handle the thousands of containers that move through the port annually. DP World Melbourne is Australia’s largest container port.
A second batch of eight carriers is scheduled to be commissioned later this year, bringing the port’s total to 22.
Ganesh Raj, Senior Vice President and Managing Director, DP World, Australia and New Zealand Region, said “DP World, Australia is committed to providing the necessary infrastructure to increase capacity and efficiency at West Swanson Dock, where DP World Melbourne is located, to cater for medium to long term customer demand. The newly commissioned carriers add to the fleet of six carriers we installed last year and I am pleased to launch the additional eight of 16 new diesel electric straddles for 2012.
“DP World, Australia continues to invest in new terminal infrastructure and the latest technology across its network of five Australian terminals in order to constantly facilitate container growth and provide our customers with efficient services.”
Andrew Jena, General Manager, DP World, Melbourne, said “The new equipment will deliver the twin benefits of improved productivity and energy efficiency. Our analysis of fuel consumption data from six of these diesel-electric straddles indicated an 11% saving per operating hour compared with the diesel-hydraulic straddle fleet. We believe our high-performing, smart power operations will contribute positively to the environment at the Port of Melbourne, one of Australia’s busiest commercial hubs.”
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