Cargotec: Vicoma’s assistance with the design of a stacking crane

About the Project

Have you ever heard of a 6-over-5 stacking crane? Cargotec asked Vicoma to assist in designing this innovative solution. Cargotec offers products and services that contribute to faster, smarter, and more sustainable global trade. Kalmar, part of Cargotec, is a global leader in terminal automation and energy-efficient container handling, providing a wide range of solutions for ports, terminals, distribution centres, and heavy industry.

Cargotec’s existing stacking cranes could stack containers up to four high but wanted to increase storage capacity by stacking five containers high. This required the development of a 6-over-5 stacking crane; a crane capable of safely handling the additional load and movements. The existing container stabilisation system had to be adapted and applied to the new crane design.

Vicoma’s Role

Vicoma’s mechanical and machine engineering teams supported Cargotec by performing strength calculations for the crane’s legs, beam, and wheel assemblies. To ensure smooth container handling, a detailed 3D model was used to verify cable clearance between containers and within the trolley. Our engineers also ensured the cable routing adhered to permissible bending angles, maintaining operational safety and reliability.

Result

Thanks to Vicoma’s collaboration, Cargotec successfully implemented several 6-over-5 stacking cranes, now operating effectively at ECT on Maasvlakte. Together, we look back on a rewarding project that achieved its goal: significantly increasing container storage capacity.