Reach Stacker Perfect for BASF Barge Handling Needs in Antwerp
15th December 2017
German chemical company BASF has asked Konecranes to deliver another barge handler for their operations in Antwerp. The new Konecranes SMV 4545 TCX4 BH is BASF Antwerp NV’s third reach stacker for barge handling, and is to be delivered this month.
The Konecranes reach stacker will be operating at the barge terminal of BASF Antwerp, located in their chemical site in the port of Antwerp. BASF is the largest chemical company in the world. A significant number of products are transported in containers by barge, creating a need for a machine with special capabilities. Since the machine will handle approximately 40,000 containers every year, the powerful Konecranes reach stacker was a natural choice. With a wheelbase of 9,000 mm the machine has great stability and reach, still with unmatched flexibility. The new machine is able to load and unload 45 metric ton containers in first and second row, and more important, it is now also capable of lifting 28 ton containers in the fourth row of a barge. This creates new opportunities to optimize the barge transport concept and creates extra storage capacity in the terminal.
The machine ordered by BASF will come with special features to boost operational capability, like wireless cameras, central greasing and intelligent transport mode to enhance safety. BASF says that this willingness and creativity to develop products to fit specific customer need is also a reason why Konecranes were selected.