Straddle carriers could speed up local port operations

A STRADDLE carrier capable of handling 16 containers an hour, which is currently seeing service in high volume ports like the Port of London, New York and Jeddah, could soon be seen in local ports.
The FEL straddle carrier, branded the DP40, is used to transfer containers between the quayside and storage areas at high speeds. It is capable of lifting 40 000 kgs,travelling at speeds of 25km/hour and stacking containers three high in a storage area.
Strachan & Henshaw SA has tendered to supply the straddle carriers to Portnet for use in Durban, Cape Town, Port Elizabeth and East London.
The Strachan and Henshaw Group specialises in the design and manufacture of machinery for the tipping, stacking, blending and reclaiming of bulk materials. The company recently combined forces with the UK-based Bridgetest Holdings Group, whose operating company FEL International is a major worldwide manufacturer of container handling equipment for ports nad inland rail container depots.