Eco-efficiency in action: Kalmar hybrid straddle carriers at RST

Receiving more than 50 vessels every week, RST is the largest short sea shipping hub in Europe. As a multi-purpose terminal, RST handles barges, rail traffic and trucks, focusing on providing maximum shipping flexibility for its customers. RST currently employs approximately 350 people, serving around 15 shipping lines and handling up to 800,000 containers a year. The terminal has expanded its business rapidly in recent years, and Kalmar has been a key partner in this growth.

We saw that the topic was increasingly important for society, and we are a big company with a lot of moving equipment, so we wanted to really make it one of our prime goals to reduce our CO2 footprint.

The Kalmar hybrid straddle carriers are part of RST's fleet renewal programme aimed at improving the terminal’s environmental performance. The hybrid straddle carrier directly supports this goal through a reduction of CO2 emissions. Kalmar hybrid straddle carriers can typically cut fuel consumption by up to 40% compared to equivalent diesel-powered machines. The terminal also utilises Kalmar Insight coverage for the hybrid machines. 

Concrete actions

"We started our sustainability goal about two years ago," says Arno Storm, CEO, RST. "We saw that the topic was increasingly important for society, and we are a big company with a lot of moving equipment, so we wanted to really make it one of our prime goals to reduce our CO2 footprint."

Purchasing green-certified electricity was a key step for RST, and the terminal has also installed solar panels on many of its buildings. Another important task was to tackle the issue of diesel emissions. 

"Not only are the hybrid straddles much quieter than the old machines, but also we see a huge advantage and significant cost savings from the reduction of diesel fuel consumption. When the hybrid technology is combined with the use of renewable HVO diesel, the reduction in CO2 footprint is dramatic,” says Storm. 

Not only are the hybrid straddles much quieter than the old machines, but also we see a huge advantage and significant cost savings from the reduction of diesel fuel consumption.

Supporting the operation

RST is using the Kalmar hybrid straddle carriers full-time and has been very happy with their performance. Hybrid straddle carriers now make up half of RST's straddle carrier fleet, and the terminal aims to replace the remaining older diesel models in the coming years. “From both the financial and environmental responsibility points of view, we have seen that the hybrid machines are way more efficient than our old fleet,” Arno Storm notes.

The new machines have also been received enthusiastically by the equipment operators, not least thanks to the ergonomic cabin design. 

It's certainly a more comfortable way of working.

"It's certainly a more comfortable way of working," says Michael Timmermans, Instructor Operations, RST. "Where previously we had to constantly look over our shoulder, we can now select the option to have the driver's seat rotate in the direction of movement. One feels much fitter at the end of the shift, which is a great advantage."

Kalmar and RST have collaborated successfully for several years. "We are delighted to support them with their transition to more eco-efficient cargo-handling operations with our hybrid straddle carrier solution," says Jelle van der Waal, Country Director, Benelux, Kalmar. "Hybrid straddle carriers make for a very compelling case both from the financial and eco-efficiency perspectives." 

RST's Arno Storm has been equally happy with the collaboration. "Kalmar is a very reliable company, and the service we receive from them is excellent. Moreover, their technology is of course a proven concept, so we are looking forward to extending the relationship in the near future as well."