The 20 Kalmar 4x4 TRX182 terminal tractors have been delivered to the port of Rades where they will service the quayside operation. These terminal tractors are designed specifically to perform demanding handling duties in confined spaces onboard roll-on, roll-off vessels. All the machines have diesel engines with catalytic exhaust purification, significantly reducing emission levels. In addition, the terminal tractors are equipped with electronically controlled diesel engines that meet the requirements of EU TIER2 and US CARB2.
STAM also placed a major order for refurbishing 13 Kalmar straddle carriers which are approximately from 4 to 10 years old. Under the refurbishment programme, each of the 13 straddles will be assessed individually and major repairs identified, prioritised and done according to need. The refurbishment secures the reliability of the equipment which is expected to gain at least 5 more years operating time.
Mr Kamel KHELIL, Director in charge of development program at STAM.
“We have trusted Kalmar machines for over 25 years. At the moment we have 22 Kalmar straddle carriers, reachstackers, empty container handlers and 50 Kalmar terminal tractors. We appreciate the quality of the equipment when it comes to performance, durability and safety, but also sustainability. Kalmar has always been one step ahead of environmental issues set by the Tunisian authorities. Respecting the environment is very important for us.
“Our technicians have participated in Kalmar trainings and today have a high-level competence to maintain the equipment with a very good technical support from Cargotec.
“Our annual capacity was 400 000 TEU earlier and we had planned for eight per cent growth for each year, but the economies are turbulent also in Tunisia. This year we will not reach eight per cent growth, but we are still growing in the port of Rades. The seven Tunisian ports where we operate serve mostly national consumption. Some cargo is transported by road to Libya and Algeria.”
STAM, founded in 1961, employs 1500 people in Tunisian commercial ports Rades, La Goulette, Bizerte, Sousse, Sfax, Gabes and Zarzis. STAM handles 69% of the total tonnage of goods transported through ports and maritime trade in Tunisia.
