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Container Handling Equipment

Project Overview: This demonstration project assessed the ability of new container handling equipment to reduce fuel consumption and emissions, and provide other operational benefits.

Organization: Empire Stevedoring Co. Ltd.

Project Timeline: September 21, 2009, to March 29, 2010

Project Results: The upgrading of container handling machinery resulted in a projected annual fuel reduction of 14,624 litres per machine and a 43% reduction in GHG emissions. More information on both the performance and financial results are available in the Detailed Project Results section of this case study.

Summary of Results (per container handler)
Average annual fuel reduction 14,624 L
Greenhouse gas (CO2e) reduction 43.9 tonnes or 43 %
Payback period 10.5 years

Project Description

Empire Stevedoring acquired two Linde C400/5 container handling machines to replace older machines. Tests were conducted to compare the energy efficiency and emission characteristics of the new machines to the ones they replaced. The testing took place at the Bickerdike terminal at the Port of Montreal.

The new container handlers are equipped with Cummins QSM11 engines conforming to EPA Tier 3 and have a lifting capacity of 88,000 lbs. (45,000 kg). Their engines are controlled by power-on-demand controls that automatically adjust motor speed and power in relation to load and an on-board computer provides continual motor and transmission information operational data to the operator. The engines are equipped with devices for removing air contaminants and particulates.

Methodology

The fuel usage and engine hours were recorded for the new container handlers. The fuel consumption for the old machines was calculated based on historic hourly usage data and the number of hours worked by the new machines. Emission reductions were calculated using appropriate emissions factors issued by Environment Canada and engine data provided by Cummins.

Results

A) Performance Results

The introduction of the new container handlers reduced the fuel consumption rate from 26.4 to 14.9 L/hour. The projected annual fuel saving is 14,624 L per machine, which results in a 43% reduction in GHG (CO2e), and reductions in criteria air contaminants (CACs) ranging from 47 to 87%.

  Former container handler New container handler (average) Reduction
Fuel consumption
For 6.5-month study period 18,279 L 10,358 L 7,921 L
Projected annual 33,746 L 19,122 L 14,624 L = 43%
Greenhouse gas (CO2e)
For 6.5-month study period 55.0 tonnes 31.2  tonnes 43 %
Projected annual 101.5 tonnes 57.6 tonnes 43.9 tonnes or
43 %

B) Financial Results

Payback Calculation (per machine)
Monthly savings Reduced maintenance: $2,250
Reduced fuel usage: 14,624 L/12 @ $0.86 = $1,048
Reduction in downtime: $400
Miscellaneous $262
Total $3,960
Purchase cost $500,000
Payback period $500,000/$3,960 = 126 months or 10.5 years

Conclusion

The commissioning of the new container handlers resulted in a 43 % decrease in diesel fuel consumption, a 43 % reduction in GHG emissions, and 47 to 87 % reduction in criteria air contaminants (CACs). Together, the two new container handlers reduce annual fuel use by more than 29,000 litres and GHG emissions by 115 tonnes.

Another advantage is the ability of the new container handlers to stack containers five-high as compared to the three-high capability of the machines that were replaced. This reduces the area required for storage, which will result in reduced travel distance and tire wear, and other operational advantages.  As a result of the success of the original two Linde container handlers, Empire Stevedoring has subsequently acquired two others.

Date modified:
2012-02-16