Port Otago is investing $28 million in 10 new hybrid straddle carriers as part of a wider modernisation of its Port Chalmers Container Terminal.
The new Konecranes Noell hybrid machines will replace the terminal’s 10 diesel straddle carriers when they arrive in August 2027.
Straddle carriers are used to lift, transport and stack fully laden shipping containers at the terminal.
Port Otago’s current fleet of 14 straddle carriers has an average age of 17 years. Ten are diesel-powered, while the remaining four use diesel-electric technology.
Port Otago chief executive Kevin Winders says the new machines will provide improved ergonomics and visibility for drivers, along with modern onboard technology including 360-degree cameras.
“The new straddles will be connected in real-time to Port Otago’s systems, providing accurate positioning and activity data points for each straddle.
“These features are prerequisites for the introduction of new routing software to improve productivity, reduce waste and ultimately support autonomous operations.”
Hybrid machines account for around 90% to 95% of current global straddle carrier production, and the Konecranes model can be converted to fully electric or hydrogen power when those alternatives become economically viable.
Winders says the investment follows a comprehensive review of the future operation of the Port Chalmers terminal as its existing mobile plant approaches the end of its life.
“The straddle carrier replacement is just one part of that review. It dovetails into the terminal’s $12.5 million rail pad investment that will connect the terminal to Southern Link inland port.
“It also sits alongside our $30 million development of Dunedin Bulk Port for log storage, and the $23 million extension of the Multipurpose Wharf back in 2019.”
He says the investments are focused on making Port Otago capable of handling larger ships, creating more landside space for growth and moving the container terminal towards data-led operations.
“We just achieved 14m chart datum in the Otago Harbour lower channel, so we are now capable of berthing up to 10,000 TEU vessels.
“We need more landside space to service our region’s exporters and Southern Link inland port will provide that. Now, our container terminal operations are being modernised to be a safer and more efficient operation.”
The new straddle carriers are expected to use 35% less diesel than the 10 machines they replace, saving around 190,000 litres a year.
Winders says maintenance costs are also expected to halve, while improved machine availability and productivity should increase the terminal’s gross crane rate – the number of containers moved per hour.
“The new machines will also offer significantly improved up-time availability and deliver improved productivity by lifting our gross crane rate.
“This, in turn, will lift our service levels to shipping lines.”
Konecranes sales director Peter Kania says the company is looking forward to supporting the renewal of Port Otago’s container handling fleet.
“Our hybrid straddle carriers, digital fleet management tools and experienced service technicians in Australia and New Zealand will help deliver higher productivity, lower total cost of ownership and long-term operational reliability.”
Port Otago’s remaining four diesel-electric straddle carriers, which have an average age of 10 years, will be reconditioned to extend their operating life. They are scheduled for replacement in 2031.
Straddle carrier specifications
- Konecranes Noell NSD 644 EHY
- Four-high capability, allowing operation across four-high container stacks
- Manufactured to order in Würzburg, Germany
- Safety and productivity features:
- GPS tracking
- 360-degree cameras
- Open data transfer and integration with the terminal operating system
- Compatibility with Port Otago’s business intelligence systems
- Inbuilt maintenance monitoring and notification
