Kalmar Hybrid Straddle Carrier sales rise amid industry decarbonization
Hybrid straddle carriers now account for more than 50% of Kalmar’s sales in the category, as operators seek to reduce fuel consumption and emissions.
Kalmar has reported that its hybrid straddle carriers now represent over half of its total sales within the product category. The transition toward hybrid technology is driven by mounting pressure on port and terminal operators to curb carbon emissions and adhere to stricter environmental regulations.
Compared to traditional diesel-only equipment, the hybrid units reduce fuel consumption by up to 40%, potentially cutting annual CO2 emissions by 50 tons per machine. The equipment is designed to operate on HVO fuel, which can further decrease total fuel-related emissions by up to 90%.
Aki Heikkinen, Sales Development Lead at Kalmar, noted that the hybrid system serves as a bridge for operators unable to fully electrify their fleets. By using lithium-ion batteries and regenerative braking, the engines avoid idling, significantly lowering both fuel usage and noise levels. The technology has surpassed 2.5 million cumulative operating hours worldwide.