Cargo Business Techwire

Friday, September 4, 2015

SSA Mexico completes RTG electrification project

Conductix-Wampfler, global provider of electrified RTG cranes, announced that 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 percent on electric power, the statement said.

The joint project between marks a growing shift from diesel rubber-tired gantries (RTGs) to electrified "E-RTGs." Traditionally, RTGs have run on diesel fuel, but electricity is considered a cleaner and more efficient method of operation.

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 C-W, SSAM successfully completed the retrofit using their own manpower. During 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.

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.

"SSAM’s successful transition to a 100 percent electrical operation, using their own manpower, is an outstanding technical achievement," said Gustavo Oberto, managing director of SMO Americas at Conductix-Wampfler.