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Cooper Specialised Handling have announced details of a new supply contract with Associated British Ports to deliver, what is believed to be, the first fully mains electric powered hydraulic cranes in a general port application in the UK. The Mantsinen model 95ER, are destined for use at ABP Port of Ipswich and have been configured around the idiosyncrasies of the quays on the banks of the River Orwell. ABP Ipswich have used a diesel-powered version, Mantsinen 95R since 2017. Both the earlier diesel machine and the two new electrics will benefit from a 4m centre undercarriage- some 2.5m narrower than standard yet does not compromise operational speed.

The two new cranes are part of a £4m investment and are electric powered by 690-volt mains supply. Each machine will be free-ranging and come equipped with a 100m cable reel. Both machines will have soft-start systems to minimise current draw on start-up and ABP have invested in an electricity sub-station infrastructure that is future-proofed to accommodate upto 4 electric powered cranes working concurrently on the same quay.

The new units extend the ABP Mantsinen fleet size further still where ABP have evidenced high operational performance, reliability, and strong operator acceptance of the machines. The Mantsinen 95 is capable of 25 second cycle times and tonnages in excess of 500 tonnes per hour. To enhance operator visibility and safety, each machine will be supplied with Mantsinen’s unique cab riser to enable the operator to place the cab in position for optimum visibility of the loading process.  The machine will be ready supplied with Mantsinen’s own ‘Insight’ telematics system that measures every conceivable parameter but importantly will provide data to ABP on tonnes moved over the quay per unit of energy and overall cost per tonne moved. This same data enables ABP to drive efficiencies through the port and onwards to their customers.

It is estimated ABP will save in excess of 40% in energy costs and will, of course, eliminate local CO2 emissions in their entirety as well as significantly reducing noise emissions for both the port itself as well as the neighbourhood in general. It is envisaged that ABP will electrify all cargo handling operations in Ipswich within the next 5 years

Commenting on behalf of ABP, Paul Ager Divisional Port Manager East Coast said: “This investment shows that going green does not cost the earth. At ABP, we have firm plans to decarbonise our ports. We know greener operations is important to our customers too and we are listening.”

Speaking on behalf of Cooper Specialised Handling, Executive Director, David Cooper commented “This is truly a landmark supply and hope this is the first of many. We congratulate ABP on their foresight and vision in opting for electric power. We have noticed a significant increase in interest in both direct electric power and Mantsinen’s dual power (electric and diesel in one machine) however, infrastructure costs become a barrier that often thwarts further investment. ABP have tackled this full-on and will yield the cost and environmental benefits in the years ahead”

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Editor’s Notes

Operating in all sectors of heavy lifting across the UK and Ireland, Cooper Specialised Handling is the exclusive UK distributor for SveTruck, RAM Spreaders, Telestack bulk material handling conveying systems and Sany mobile handling equipment, sole UK importer and exclusive distributor for Mantsinen cranes, Movella Translifters, TEC Containers and a long-term specialist in Konecranes lift trucks.  The company, which celebrated 20 years in business in 2018, also has a dedicated after-sales division, Cooper Handling Solutions, which specialises in engineering support.

Independently owned, Cooper offers total solutions in both solids and bulk handling. Its customised solutions comprise high quality, high value products and reliable service for businesses operating in the most challenging heavy handling environments, including ports, freight handling, inter-modal terminals, manufacturing and other heavy lifting industries.