Cargo handling solutions provider Kalmar has won the 2019 Port Equipment Manufacturers Association's Innovation Award for its fully electric terminal tractor and FastCharge system. The PEMA Innovation Award was introduced earlier this year to acknowledge the exceptional work and results achieved by PEMA members in the ports sector.

PEMA president, Ottonel Popesco (second from left) with Pekka Yli-Paunu, Pia Vuorela and Jari Hamalainen from Kalmar.
PEMA president, Ottonel Popesco (second from left) with Pekka Yli-Paunu, Pia Vuorela and Jari Hamalainen from Kalmar.

“Navigating a business to success can be difficult, so we're keen to showcase the dedication, expertise and sheer hard work of our commendable winners and participants in this initiative,” explains Ottonel Popesco, PEMA President and Chairman of the Board.
"We're pleased to award Kalmar the 2019 PEMA Innovation Award 2019 for their fully electric terminal tractor and FastCharge system.
"On behalf of PEMA, I would like to wish them the best of luck for the future and congratulate them on their win in this year’s awards programme among the 21 participating companies,” Popesco added.
Crane and lifting equipment manufacturer Konecranes and terminal automation specialist Yardeye took second and third places respectively.
The initiative attracted entries from 21 member companies, including Baumer Huebner, Brevetti, BROSA, Cavotec, Conductix-Wampfler, Groeneveld, Igus, Shanghai Jiuneng Mechanic & Electric Manufacturing Co., Kalmar, KALP, Konecranes, Langeveld, Nantong Rainbow Heavy Machineries, Phoenix Lighting, SAMSON, SIBRE, TMEIC, Yardeye, and ZPMC.
Entries were independently evaluated by representatives from global terminal operators DP World, Terminal Link, Yilport Holding, PSA International, APM Terminals, Eurogate, KGaA, KG, and HHLA.
"Innovation and sustainability are at the heart of Kalmar business, and we have made a bold commitment to provide our full offering as electrically powered version by 2021. We are very honoured to receive this first ever innovation award from PEMA. It proves that we are on the right track in providing disruptive and innovative technologies to make cargo handling safer, more sustainable and productive,” says Jari Hamalainen, Director, Terminal Automation at Kalmar.