Port operator DP World will trial Caltex B20 Bio-Diesel fuel using eight new straddle carriers at the Port of Melbourne
October 16, 2012
Port operator DP World will trial Caltex B20 Bio-Diesel fuel using eight new straddle carriers at the Port of Melbourne.
The three month trial of the fuel, a blend of fuel containing 20 percent renewable products, is part of the company’s larger strategy involving the purchase of
fuel efficinet straddle carriers.
General Manager DP World Melbourne Andrew Jena says DP World will review the results of the trial and could potentially be used in the remainder of DP World Melbourne’s straddle carrier fleet.
“The investment in new equipment and commencement of the biofuel trial forms part of DP World’s commitment to sustainable work practices in an effort to help reduce the broader Port of Melbourne’s carbon footprint,” jenna says.
Victorian Minister for Ports Denis Napthine today launched the newest of eight fuel efficient straddle carriers, which brings the company’s diesel electric straddle fleet
of this type to a total of 22.
The Terex Noell NSC 644 E Diesel-Electric Straddle Carriers, 14 of which are already in operation, are also part of the company’s capacity expansion plans at its West Swanson container handling terminal.
The straddle carriers feature advanced power management software which helps reduce fuel consumption; the site currently consumes approximately 500 kilolitres of diesel per month.
DP World Australia Managing Director Ganesh Raj says the new equipment will also help deliver twin benefits of reducing DP World’s carbon emissions as well as improving efficiency and productivity at the port.
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“DP World Australia remains committed to providing the necessary infrastructure to increase capacity and efficiency at West Swanson Dock, to cater for medium to long term customer demand,” Raj says.
The Terex Noell NSC 644 E straddle carrier offers a maximum lifting capacity of 60 tonnes (66.1 US t) with the ability to lift 1 over 2, 2.89-meter (9 ft 6-in) high containers for increased handling productivity and reduced carbon emissions.
DP World says analysis of 12 months of fuel consumption data on
six of the new straddles has indicated a fuel saving of 11 percent per operating hour when compared to the terminal’s remaining diesel-hydraulic straddle fleet.
This saving has equated to an energy saving of 2,761 GJ and an emissions reduction of 193 tonnes CO2-e per annum across the six diesel-electric straddles.
Further benefits include a reduction in the amount of hydraulic oils (some 280 litres less per machine) on site, and further reductions in maintenance, engine emissions, noise and other lubricants due to the direct drives in the gantry travel and hoist systems; virtually eliminating all kinds of gears and couplings.
Following commissioning, the diesel consumption/fuel efficiency of the new straddles will be monitored to validate the expected diesel consumption rates and energy savings.