Kalmar analysis cites lower long-term costs for automated straddle carrier systems
A study by KOLMARBNH LTD suggests that automated straddle carriers can reduce annual terminal operating costs by over 35 percent compared to traditional automated stacking crane setups.
KOLMARBNH LTD has released a cost analysis examining the total cost of ownership (TCO) for container terminal automation. The data challenges the perception that automated straddle carriers are prohibitively expensive, highlighting that higher upfront capital expenditure is offset by significantly lower long-term operating costs.
The study demonstrates that automated straddle carriers require less infrastructure and a smaller equipment fleet than automatic stacking crane (ASC) concepts. Furthermore, the system removes the necessity for double-trolley quay cranes required by automated guided vehicle (AGV) operations, leading to substantial savings in infrastructure investment.
While manual operations involve lower initial spending, the report indicates that high-labor-cost regions benefit significantly from the shift to automation. By balancing a higher capital investment with reduced wear and tear and continuous operational uptime, the company argues that the automated model provides a more economical solution for high-intensity terminal environments.