Poland's DCT Gdansk orders two Cargotec Kalmar e-One2 RTGs

POLAND's DCT Gdansk container terminals, now serving some of the industry's largest vessels, has ordered Kalmar e-One2 rubber tyre gantry (RTG) cranes

from Finland's Cargotec.

The RTGs will arrive in the first quarter 2010 and will help meet demands since the terminal's handling capacity increased, said a statement from the terminal operator.

The 7+1 wide and one-over-five high RTGs with a maximum lifting capacity of 40 tonnes will come equipped with Kalmar Smartrail, an autosteering and container position verification system, said a Cargotec statement. DCT Gdansk has, also requested additional performance-enhancing technology such as an electrical anti-sway system.

Cargotec also said the Kalmar e-One2 is the latest RTG model and meets the latest safety and environmental demands while remaining productive and cost-effective.

Viewed as a big step in the development of DCT Gdansk as a world-class port, the facility has been added to a major shipping line service starting already early this month.

A weekly service will see 8,000-TEU vessels calling at DCT Gdansk, which will become Poland's largest container terminal as a result.

DCT Gdansk CEO Boris Wenzel is confident that the arrival of the first post-Panamax ships to Poland, DCT will offer a viable alternative to traditional north European hubs and become the preferred gateway to central and eastern Europe and Russia.