Thamesport is a container port that has been operating from the Thames estuary since 1990. The port uses a combination of ship-shore gantry cranes and terminal tractors to move the containers between the container park and the ships. In the container park the containers are moved and sorted by nine driverless rail-mounted gantry cranes.
Over the last three years Thamesport has undertaken a re-powering programme of its diesel powered gantry cranes. One of the requirements of this project was to have a common power package for each crane. This improves maintenance and reduces stock holding of parts.
Performing well
Through main dealer Volspec, Volvo Penta were able to meet all the requirements with the 16 litre diesel engine TAD1631GE, rated at 579kVA prime power, 60Hz.
The first engine has achieved 24,000 hours without any major maintenance and is still performing well. Downtime has been reduced by over 50 per cent, which not only has a positive effect on container handling time but also allows the maintenance teams to concentrate on planned maintenance rather than breakdowns. Operating costs are another success as fuel economy and oil consumption are both reduced compared with previous engines.
Key segment
The TAD1631GE is the largest engine in the power generation range from Volvo Penta. The range starts at 85kVA with the TD520GE up to the TAD1631GE, with a comprehensive coverage in-between.
Thamesport now operate Volvo Penta engines in both terminal tractors and gantry cranes. Darren Tasker, Sales and Applications Engineer at Volvo Penta comments: "This is a very important project as it combines our experience in power generation and materials handling, which are key market segments for Volvo Penta´s industrial engine business.
January 16, 2004
AB Volvo Penta
Corporate Communication
+46 31 66 84 18
