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Victoria International Container Terminal (VICT) has commissioned four new hybrid automatic container carriers as part of an expansion program designed to increase terminal capacity and improve operational efficiency at the Port of Melbourne.
The new equipment, supplied by Kalmar, was formally handed over during a ceremony on May 26 attended by Kalmar President and Chief Executive Officer Sami Niiranen, alongside VICT management and operational teams.
Capacity Expansion Targets
The deployment forms part of VICT’s broader development strategy to raise annual throughput capacity beyond 1.6 million TEUs while maintaining efficient and environmentally responsible operations.
According to Bruno Porchietto, Chief Executive Officer of Victoria International Container Terminal, the investment supports both operational growth and sustainability objectives.
“These new ACCs strengthen our landside capabilities while supporting our long term sustainability goals. This investment reflects our commitment to expanding terminal capacity, improving efficiency and adopting technologies that lessen the environmental impact of our operations,” Porchietto said.
Focus on Efficiency and Sustainability
The hybrid automatic container carriers were designed to reduce loading times and increase productivity across terminal operations. VICT and Kalmar collaborated on several customized upgrades aimed at improving operational performance.
Each carrier features twin box lifting capability of up to 60 tonnes and incorporates lithium ion battery technology that enables energy recovery during operation. According to Kalmar, the systems can improve energy efficiency by up to 40 percent while reducing annual carbon emissions by as much as 50 tonnes per unit.
Would a modern container terminal function efficiently without automation? For VICT, automation continues to be a central part of its growth strategy.
Long Term Partnership
Kalmar’s Head of Global Sales, Karri Keskinen, said the project builds on a long standing relationship between the two companies.
The equipment supplier has supported VICT since the terminal commenced operations in 2017. As the only fully automated container terminal in the Southern Hemisphere, VICT continues to invest in technology aimed at supporting growing trade volumes through Australia’s largest container gateway.
