Conductix-Wampfler and SSA Mexico partner to achieve the first fully electrified container terminal in the Americas

July 2015.Conductix-Wampfler, the leading global provider of E-RTG solutions announced that long-time customer SSA México (SSAM) has successfully completed a full-scale electrification project at its Manzanillo Mexico Terminal.  This makes SSAM the first container terminal in the Americas to operate 100% on electric power.

The joint achievement between Conductix-Wampfler and SSAM marks a growing shift from diesel Rubber Tyred Gantries (RTGs) to electrified “E-RTGs”.  Traditionally, RTGs run on diesel fuel.  But with rising fuel costs and environmental concerns, terminals around the world have begun to introduce this cleaner and more efficient method of operation.

Recognizing the potential for increased productivity and environmental improvements, SSAM embarked on a mission to become the first fully electrified terminal in the Americas. SSAM began the transition to electric in September 2012, partnering with Conductix-Wampfler to retrofit eight RTGs to E-RTGs.  With technical support and training from Conductix-Wampfler, SSAM successfully completed the retrofit using their own manpower.  Over the next 2½ years, SSAM progressively worked to convert a total of 32 RTGs to electric, while also purchasing four new E-RTGs from Chinese manufacturer ZPMC, all equipped with Conductix-Wampfler cable reels.

“SSAM’s successful transition to a 100% electrical operation, using their own manpower, is an outstanding technical achievement,” said Gustavo Oberto, Managing Director of SMO Americas at Conductix-Wampfler.  Gabriel Juri, Cranes Maintenance Manager, SSA Mexico, added that, “Personnel development is key to our success at SSAM.  We are extremely proud that this project was engineered and executed by our own personnel.”

To complete the initiative, SSAM also converted four Paceco RTGs into RMGs for intermodal rail yard operations. Those units are powered with Conductix-Wampfler’s Hevi-Bar II Conductor Bar System.

With the transition complete, SSAM is well on its way to increasing efficiency and cost savings while meeting all the latest environmental demands. The E-RTGs employ new technologies that greatly reduce emissions and enhance productivity, reliability and flexibility. “The transition to E-RTGs is a clear benefit no matter how you look at it,” commented Gabriel Juri of SSAM. “We are extremely satisfied with the performance of the E-RTGS, particularly due to the higher speeds and increased productivity from not having to refuel or conduct diesel engine maintenance.”

SSAM’s fully electrified terminal sets the pace for the industry, by dramatically reducing diesel fuel consumption and emissions. The new technology reduces fuel consumption by an estimated 95 percent.  In addition, E-RTGs are more reliable than diesel-powered versions with less downtime. This reduction in both fuel demand and maintenance costs will mean a significant net savings each year for SSAM.

Overall, the mutual achievement between Conductix-Wampfler and SSAM in establishing the first fully electrified terminal in the Americas, will mean great payback for SSAM in the long run and a continued trend towards electrification in other ports across the world.

Conductix-Wampfler is the largest global producer of systems and equipment to electrify RTGs.  Since 2006, the company has supplied over 300 cable reels and 1600 conductor rail trolleys worldwide for both new cranes and retrofits.  In addition to SSAM, Conductix-Wampfler E-RTG systems in the Americas operate at MIT in Panama, STI in Chile, Georgia Port Authority, Port of LA, Contecar Cartagena and TCB Buenaventura in Colombia, and APMT Callao in Peru.  The company was recently awarded a new project in the USA and the first E-RTG project in Brazil at Portonave.

The company’s critical mission is to provide energy and data transmission systems that keep vital port operations running 24/7/365.  These rugged, low-maintenance products have been time tested in the most demanding environments and are backed by a combined worldwide sales and service network unmatched in the industry.

SSA Mexico is a port terminal operator in the Port of Manzanillo, the largest and busiest container terminal in Mexico.  SSAM started in 1995 operating with containers and multipurpose cargo and has grown to service some of Mexico’s most important industries, including 6 steamship lines for containers and several large importers of steel coils, minerals, automobiles and paper products. SSAM is a subsidiary of Carrix, Inc., one of the largest privately owned operators in the world.