ICTSI’s Melbourne terminal deploys hybrid fleet in expansion drive

The VICT deployed four hybrid carriers at the Port of Melbourne.

Victoria International Container Terminal (VICT) at the Port of Melbourne has deployed four Kalmar hybrid automatic container carriers (ACCs) as part of an expansion programme.

The International Container Terminal Services, Inc.-operated terminal aims to increase its capacity to more than 1.6 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs), following the commissioning and operational integration of the ACCs over recent weeks.

The ACCs will support container movements between terminal facilities, alongside efforts to reduce the environmental impact of terminal operations.

The equipment features twin-box lifting capability of up to 60 tonnes and is equipped with lithium-ion battery systems that recover energy during operations, enabling a 40% increase in energy efficiency and reducing carbon emissions by up to 50 tonnes per unit annually.

VICT and Kalmar developed several custom upgrades for the ACCs to improve operational efficiency and reduce loading times.

Kalmar has supplied equipment and support services to VICT since the terminal began operations in 2017.

“The new ACCs will help to increase productivity and support the terminal to meet their customers’ needs in a reliable way,” said Karri Keskinen, Head of Global Sales at Kalmar.

VICT is the only fully automated container terminal in the Southern Hemisphere.

“The equipment rollout marks another milestone in VICT’s continuing efforts to enhance productivity and cater to global trade requirements,” the port said.