Major order in Abu Dhabi: VAHLE electrifies and automates container blocks in the new Khalifa Port
VAHLE receives major order for the electrification and automation of container blocks in Khalifa Port, Abu Dhabi. Start of the first phase in summer 2024.
Paul Vahle GmbH & Co. KG has been awarded a major contract for the electrification and automation of container blocks in the new Khalifa Port in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE). In the first phase, the world's leading supplier of power and data transmission solutions for mobile applications and expert in port automation will equip 16 container blocks with automation systems and install around 22 kilometers of conductor rails. VAHLE was awarded the contract by the CMA CGM Group, a leading French shipping and logistics company headquartered in Marseille.
"The order is a significant milestone for us, as it not only confirms our expertise in the electrification and automation of container terminals, but also underlines our pioneering role in providing innovative solutions for port logistics," says Jaroslaw Warzecha, Director Business Unit Port at the VAHLE Group. Following successful projects in the ports of Wilmington and Baltimore in the USA, this is the third joint project with a Finnish company and the first collaboration with the CMA CGM Group.
The first phase of the electrification project, in which VAHLE is equipping 16 container blocks with automation systems, will start in summer 2024. The Kamen-based company is also installing around 22 kilometers of the flexible and low-maintenance U35 conductor rail. In addition, VAHLE is supplementing the system with interference-free SMGX data communication (Slotted Microwave Guide Extreme), which guarantees a high-performance data rate of up to one gigabit. "This allows us to guarantee data communication in real time, thereby increasing safety and enabling fully automated port operations," emphasizes Warzecha.
VAHLE is also supplying telescopic arms for 20 eRTG cranes (Rubber Tyred Gantry Cranes). "Given the tight schedule, the eRTGs will be delivered to Abu Dhabi in individual parts and assembled on site. Although this is a huge challenge given the August temperatures, we have already proven that we can handle it on the AIN Dubai project," explains Warzecha. The project in Abu Dhabi marks another milestone in the history of VAHLE's port division, which was founded in 2014. "We are looking forward to launching the project at Khalifa Port on the occasion of our tenth anniversary in 2024," says Warzecha.
In recent years, the global demand for port electrification and terminal automation has increased enormously. Many operators are now aiming to reduce their CO2 emissions to zero by 2040. VAHLE offers a variety of technologies that are specifically tailored to the requirements of the port industry. These include various energy and data transmission solutions that increase energy efficiency and reduce the carbon footprint of port terminals.
VAHLE will be presenting its innovative developments for a sustainable maritime logistics chain at the TOC Europe trade fair (June 11-13) in Rotterdam.
