Kalmar makes waves with the launch of its fully-automated Shuttle Carrier®

Kalmar continues to strengthen its portfolio of automated container handling machinery by launching the Kalmar Autoshuttle™ - an automated self-loading vehicle able to pick, place and transport containers between ship-to-shore (STS) and yard stacking cranes. The so-called one-over-one Kalmar Autoshuttle™ boasts major benefits over its older rival: automatic guided vehicles (AGVs). Advantages include the decoupling of vessel and yard operations, reduction of traffic congestion, better space utilisation behind a STS crane, higher buffer capacity in front of yard stacks, and the elimination of a second STS trolley due to the buffer zone created on the quay.

Jorma Tirkkonen, President, Kalmar Intelligence and Automation, is proud to unveil yet another Kalmar automated vehicle. The move positions Kalmar as the preferred - and strongest - supplier of container handling equipment and related automation technology. Launching the industry's first fully-automated one-over-one container handling unit, Tirkkonen comments:

"In the 1990s, Kalmar designed the Shuttle Carrier to meet the handling needs of future mega-terminals which are today's reality. Requiring ever-faster turnaround times, higher productivity and better cost efficiency, Kalmar is again anticipating the needs of its customers by offering the Kalmar Autoshuttle as a faster and more flexible, productive solution."

Only two to three Kalmar Autoshuttle™ units, compared to five to seven AGVs, are needed to serve one STS crane, resulting in faster, more efficient terminal operations. The Kalmar Autoshuttle™ offers the ultimate productivity boost to terminal operations when combined with an automatic stacking crane system - also available from Kalmar.

Like its manually operated counterpart, the Kalmar Autoshuttle™ is capable of handling 20ft and 40ft containers, as well as two 20ft boxes in twin lift operation with load ratings of 40 tonnes (single) and 50 tonnes (twin). Engineered with proven 7th generation Kalmar straddle and shuttle carrier technology, the Kalmar Autoshuttle™ also features an enhanced PLC diagnostics system.

Kalmar Autoshuttle™ technology: developed with experience

The onboard automation system controls the Kalmar Autoshuttle™ according to the routes specified by the Terminal Logistic System. The automated vehicle continuously measures the distance and direction travelled with odometric information like wheel revolutions and steering angles.

Navigation of the Kalmar Autoshuttle™ is based on patented Magnetic Measurement System (MMS) technology. The unit's position is formulated by the magnetic markers embedded in the terminal surface and MMS sensors located on the Kalmar Autoshuttle™'s side frames. The passive, maintenance-free magnetic markers are an affordable, controllable and reliable alternative compared to more complicated solutions such as transponders.

Fine positioning of the spreader is achieved by intelligent sensor technology installed on the spreader. The unit can also be remotely controlled when required.

The Terminal Logistic System (TLS) controls the operations and the execution thereof. It provides simple and comprehensive interfaces to the Terminal Operating System, translating its orders and planning into concrete job assignments for the terminal's equipment fleet. TLS has a distributed network architecture, controlling equipment locally and so ensuring a robust system. The negotiation/contract protocol used for the assignment of equipment to jobs is the basis of its flexible operation. In combination with the distributed architecture, it accommodates the scalability and extendibility of the network and terminal operations.

Through partnership and acquisition, Kalmar distinguishes itself with automation know-how

The world's first Autostrad® terminal opened December 2005 in Brisbane, Australia under the technological development and co-operation of Kalmar and Patrick Technology & Systems (PTS), a joint venture company of Kalmar and Asciano Ltd. The Fisherman Island terminal now operates with 23 Kalmar EDRIVE® straddle carriers fitted with motion control and navigation systems, which allow them to operate unmanned 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, in very nearly all weather conditions. The PTS technology will be used to automate future Autostrad® terminals.

The Kalmar Autoshuttle™ was designed in co-operation with Kalmar ACT (Advanced Cargo Transhipment). The Netherlands-based supplier of navigation and terminal operation control software - a former Frog Navigation business unit acquired by Kalmar mid-2007 - will continue to use this automation technology in future Kalmar Autoshuttle™ applications.

All Kalmar straddle and shuttle carriers are prepared for automation and they can be automated later as a part of a refurbishment project.

Autoshuttle parameters:

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Notes to editor:

Press information can be found on Kalmar's website: www.kalmarind.com. Simply click on News Room to be taken to a list of recent press releases. Photographs to accompany this press release are also available on the Kalmar website, by clicking on Press Pictures. The caption for the photographs read:

"Kalmar has launched the industry's first fully-automated one-over-one container handling unit, the Kalmar Autoshuttle™. In operation, fewer units are required compared to AGVs - its older rival - helping to maximize a terminal's profitability and productivity."

Kalmar is a global provider of container and heavy duty materials handling equipment, automation applications and related services. It is the world's leading supplier of cargo handling equipment to ports, terminals and intermodal facilities.

Every fourth container or trailer transfer at terminals around the world is handled by a Kalmar machine. The company also supplies a wide range of machines to demanding industrial customers for applications as diverse as handling steel and paper to shunting road trailers at distribution hubs.

Kalmar is also leading the way in port automation applications with its application of unmanned container handling technology, on-board smart features and remote maintenance products developed in co-operation with customers and partners.

Kalmar's product range is complemented by a large range of value added services such as maintenance contracts and fleet management. Production plants are situated in Sweden, Finland, the Netherlands, Malaysia, China and the USA. Kalmar's net sales were EUR 1.2 billion in 2006.

Kalmar is part of Cargotec Corporation, the world's leading provider of cargo handling solutions, which are used in local transportation, terminals, ports, distribution centres, and ships. In 2006 Cargotec's net sales were EUR 2.6 billion. Cargotec's class B shares are listed on the Helsinki Stock Exchange.