Napier Port continues to rely on Konecranes to further strengthen its important position on New Zealand’s North Island. In December 2017 six new lift trucks will be delivered to the terminal, situated in the rapidly growing Hawke’s Bay region.
The most recent order from Napier Port includes two Konecranes Liftace R 6-41 MS reach stackers, two Konecranes Liftace FDC 25 K7 DB empty container handlers, and lastly, two Konecranes Liftace FDC 480 G4 full container handlers. Another two FDC 480 G4 full container handlers have recently been put into operation in the terminal.
As the new reach stackers are foreseen to handle containers on both ship and rail side, Napier Port has deliberately opted for Liftace R 6-41 MS reach stackers. Being equipped with front side stabilisers, these machines feature up to 41 ton capacity in the second row and have a particularly low turning radius.
Warren Young, Container Operations Manager at Napier Port, explains: “Our port is the logistic turnstile of the entire region. Technology from Konecranes has been a key element of our sustainable growth strategy and we are currently operating six Konecranes Gottwald mobile harbour cranes, four of which were delivered over the last four years. As these machines have become an integral part of our operation, it was logical to also opt for lift trucks from Konecranes. We are sure that relying on equipment and aftermarket support from one single supplier will enhance the efficiency of our operations.”
Tony Maxwell, Managing Director of Port Solution Ltd - distribution partner of Konecranes Lift Trucks concludes: “Napier Port is situated in a region known as ‘the fruit bowl of New Zealand’ due to its high quality fruit production. The terminal is one of the country’s most important gateways to the world, with regard to both the export of goods such as food and timber, and the import of oil products, cement, fertilisers and general commodities, and Konecranes machines play a key role. In 2016, it was above all Napier’s container handling activities that grew significantly, and we are very pleased that this fast developing port decided to continue to benefit from Konecranes diversified offer.”
Image: From left Tony Maxwell, MD Port Solutions Ltd. Warren Young, Container Operations Manager Napier Port Ltd. Maurizio Altieri, Sales Director Konecranes and Adam Harvey, Terminal Manager Napier Port Ltd. with the previously delivered FDC 480 G4 full container handlers.