DP World Melbourne has received a significant boost to its capabilities with the first eight of 16 new energy-efficient straddle carriers starting operations.

The new equipment with its greater capacity to handle containers will also help reduce DP World’s environmental footprint as well as improve efficiency and productivity at Australia’s largest container port.

A second batch of eight straddle carriers is due for delivery later this year, bringing DP World Melbourne’s fleet to 22 new straddle carriers.

Following an extensive evaluation process, DP World Australia selected Noell’s Diesel Electric Straddle Carriers for their high performing, smart power and energy efficient features.

Ganesh Raj, senior vice president and managing director, DP World, Australia & New Zealand Region, said: “DP World, Australia is committed to providing the necessary infrastructure to increase capacity and efficiency at West Swanson Dock, where DP World Melbourne is located, to cater for medium to long term customer demand.”

“The newly commissioned carriers add to the fleet of six carriers we installed last year and I am pleased to launch the additional eight of 16 new diesel electric straddles for 2012.

“DP World, Australia continues to invest in new terminal infrastructure and the latest technology across its network of five Australian terminals in order to constantly facilitate container growth and provide our customers with efficient services.”

Andrew Jena, general manager, DP World, Melbourne, said: “The new equipment will deliver the twin benefits of improved productivity and energy efficiency.”

“Our analysis of fuel consumption data from six of these diesel-electric straddles indicated an 11 per cent saving per operating hour compared with the diesel-hydraulic straddle fleet. We believe our high-performing, smart power operations will contribute positively to the environment at the Port of Melbourne, one of Australia’s busiest commercial hubs,” he added. – TradeArabia News Service