Maritime Transport, which provides integrated road and rail freight logistics, has ordered 14 new reach stackers from Sany and Kalmar to scale its container handling operations.
The €8m investment will facilitate growing demand for rail freight services and the expansion of Maritime’s intermodal network, with the Strategic Rail Freight Interchange at Northampton Gateway and a new container storage facility at the Port of Liverpool opening later this year.
Cooper Specialised Handling will deliver six Sany reach stackers, to support operations at Maritime’s recently expanded terminal at East Midlands Gateway, and to the new facilities in Northampton and Liverpool once operational.
The H9 is one of the most technologically-advanced products on the market, providing greater visibility, faster lift speeds, and a 20% reduction in fuel consumption, Maritime says.
Simultaneously, two Kalmar Eco reachstackers will be used at Maritime’s rail freight terminal in Wakefield, while a further six will be stationed at Hams Hall. Kalmar’s Eco reachstacker uses a much smaller engine than traditional solutions, reducing fuel consumption and emissions without compromising productivity. It also offers an improved overall driving experience with smoother acceleration and less cabin noise.
All 14 reach stackers are set to be delivered over the next two years. Maritime is actively investing in its intermodal network to promote sustainable modal shift. Northampton Gateway, immediately adjacent to the M1 J15, will accommodate the UK’s longest freight trains, providing commercial occupiers and businesses in the region with new, low carbon freight connections from UK ports and other inland rail terminals. On-site construction of a four-storey, 21,100 sqft office and welfare building is underway, with project completion expected later this year.
In addition to Northampton Gateway, Maritime’s multi-million-pound expansion project at the Port of Liverpool will see its existing transport depot and driver welfare facility increase from four acres to ten, including a new yard for up to 2,000 TEU of loaded and empty container storage.
Maritime was recently appointed as long-term operator of the SRFI at West Midlands Interchange, the UK’s largest logistics development. Additionally, the company has signed an exclusive agreement to develop, lease, and operate Tritax Symmetry’s planned £750 million SRFI at Hinckley National Rail Freight Interchange.
Tom Glenn, national plant manager, Maritime Transport, said: “This investment will play an important role in our strategy to accelerate modal shift, facilitating the movement of more cargo by rail as sustainable logistics becomes an increasingly popular and necessary model. SANY and Kalmar machines are renowned for their superior quality performance and reliability, and we’re excited to integrate them across our terminals to ensure our new and existing facilities are operating at their full potential whilst contributing to lower emissions in our operations.”
