St Petersburg initiates RTG upgrade with Konecranes tech

Container Terminal Saint-Petersburg has taken delivery of three new Konecranes rubber tyred gantry (RTG) cranes as it looks to expand and upgrade its infrastructure.

In a statement, the terminal said the delivery was the first phase of a programme that will see its RTG fleet to 24 by the end of 2020.

The equipment will be used for moving and stacking containers at the terminal’s rear yards. The cranes of 50 tonnes in capacity are able to make stacks of 5+1 containers high and 7+1 containers wide.

The cranes’ fully electromechanical drive system ensures high reliability and performance of the equipment as well as reduction of expenses for maintenance and spare parts.

The RTGs are fitted with DGPS Autosteering for keeping straight driving path and additional safety systems involving laser sensors as well as an operator cabin complying with the current ergonomics standards.

The new cranes will be put into operation upon installation of additional equipment (radio antennas and terminals) and upon their registration by the Federal Service for Environmental, Technological and Nuclear Supervision.

It is another sign of Russia’s maritime ambition and desire to meet increasing container shipping demand. Central to that will be the Northern Sea Route (NSR), which the Port of St Petersburg could be a vital gateway.

It is the latest major RTG deal made by Konecranes. Earlier in April, Port Technology International reported how the company had signed an agreement with Bollore Ports to upgrade the RTG fleet at the Port of Conakry, Guinea.