GT USA Wilmington, the U.S. arm of Gulftainer, one of the world’s largest, privately owned, independent ports and logistics companies, has taken delivery of three fully electric and eco-friendly 45-ton reach stackers from KoneCranes Inc.

This delivery is part of a larger order, which includes nine 41-ton Rubber Tired Gantry cranes, and is part of the more than $500 million investment into the port of Wilmington and a new container terminal development at Edgemoor, DE.

"The introduction of this equipment will support the efficiency, overall productivity and operational capabilities at the port as well as aiding our goal to continuously improve our customer service levels,” said Eric Casey, chief executive officer of GT USA Wilmington.

The three new reach stackers, which are capable of stacking containers five high arrived at the port of Wilmington by April 26, and each unit was delivered in four separate sections (the boom, the chassis, the spreader bar and the counter weight). Assembly of the machines began on April 29 and all three machines were completely assembled and functional by May 3.

Mechanics from supplier KoneCranes and third-party company KT Graham assisted with assembly, while KoneCranes technicians began mechanic and operator training once assembly was completed.

“All three machines passed commissioning and have been introduced into daily operations. It is still very early to determine the full impact of the equipment on day-to-day operations; so far, the machines are working tremendously well and we are pleased with their performance,” said Casey.