Wampfler technology for a new generation of cranes

Framework agreement with Gottwald Port Technology / Complete energy supply for new automated stacker cranes agreed upon / Worldwide use in planned P&O gateways

Weil am Rhein, Germany, February 2006. Wampfler AG, one of the world’s leading suppliers of energy supply and data transmission systems to mobile consumers, has signed an important framework agreement with the crane and plant construction company Gottwald Port Technology, based in Düsseldorf-Benrath, Germany. The order includes the complete energy supply for the new, fully automatic Gottwald stacker crane generation, type ASC, which will be used by the international logistics company P&O for the gateways they are planning worldwide.

Wampfler will supply the automated stacker cranes, which are able to stack up to five containers on top of each other, with motorized cable reels for the main power supply and energy guiding chains for trolley traversing and the vertical application of the spreader. Wampfler has developed innovative solutions for the individual components in order to ensure trouble-free, dynamic operation for a long service life. “The market for container cranes and fully automated terminals is regarded as especially challenging in the industry concerning technology, quality, and logistics. That’s why we are so glad that we were able to obtain this important order", says Claus Burger, the project manager in charge at Wampfler.

Leading global market position strengthened

The first cranes, type ASC, with a complete Wampfler power supply will be put into operation in 2006 at P&O’s Antwerp Gateway Terminal in the new Deurganck dock. After that, other ports in the whole world will gradually be equipped with this technology. “This project will help us to further strengthen our position as leading full-service provider of energy supply systems”, explains Daniel Dörflinger, responsible for the business area Cranes & Heavy Machinery at Wampfler. He reckons that, with the technical requirements for STS and RTG cranes increasing, the requirements for new, fully automated stacker cranes will increase, too. “Know-how, reliability, and new technologies will play an increasingly important role in this industry. That is why we at Wampfler believe that we are well prepared for these increasing requirements", says Mr. Dörflinger.