Maritime initially took delivery of its first two ECO reach stackers in December 2020, the first Kalmar models of their kind to enter service in the UK. Both machines were distributed to the company’s rail terminal in Wakefield and were an instant success, providing increased capability whilst significantly reducing Maritime’s environmental impact.
The ECO model utilises a much smaller engine and continuously variable transmission than the reach stacker solutions with large, high-horsepower engines that are traditionally seen in rail intermodal applications, reducing noise by some 10 decibels. The ECO model also features a number of driver aids including cameras and heaters.
Commenting on the new reach stackers, Paul Heyhoe, fleet director at Maritime Transport, stated: “With the improved fuel economy, reduced environmental impact, improved driver experience, and increased productivity, the ECO was an obvious choice for EMG to offer support for increasing box volumes through the terminal, and ensuring we can continue to offer quick turnaround times for our customers.”
The machines are also compatible with HVO100 (hydrotreated vegetable oil) fuel, capable of cutting CO2 emissions by as much as 90% without having any impact on performance or efficiency.
The open-access East Midlands Gateway, which serves local, national, and international businesses from SEGRO’s 700-acre Logistics Park in Castle Donington, has proven to be a commercial success since its official opening in March 2020, and now sees an average 10,000 containers currently move through the facility per month, supported by more than 100 vehicles operating 24/7.
Six intermodal services now run in and out the terminal daily, including three to the Port of Felixstowe, one to DP World London Gateway, and two services to the ports of Southampton and Liverpool. Planning is underway to introduce additional services to EMG throughout 2022, connecting more of the UK. The remaining three ECO machines are due to arrive on Maritime’s fleet early in the new year, with two to be distributed to Wakefield and one to Maritime’s Trafford Park terminal.