Propelling global logistics to greater heights

Cargotec is using big data, VR and state-of-the art technology to shape the global logistics industry.

When it comes to providing smart cargo handling solutions and services, Cargotec is the undisputed leader in its field. The company, which is headquartered in Helsinki, Finland, is a pioneer in shaping an intelligent and sustainable cargo handling business for the benefit of its many clients.
“Our cargo handling solutions and services make global trade smarter, better and more sustainable. As leaders in ports, on roads and at sea, our business areas Kalmar, Hiab and MacGregor have a unique position to optimise global cargo flows and create sustainable customer value,” says Mika Vehvilainen, CEO Cargotec.

Cargotec is listed on the Helsinki Stock Exchange and operates in over 100 countries worldwide. It has offices in 45 countries, with over 11,000 employees. It has a long history pioneering new innovations, and the impressive results speak for themselves. For instance, Cargotec has rolled out fully automated terminals, software solutions and stowage planning systems to help solve the estimated €17 billion inefficiency in the container logistics value chain. “We are taking into use technologies like robotics, virtual reality tools and artificial intelligence to develop state-of-the-art products and services. Our XVELA solution enables terminals, carriers and operational partners to work together to better communicate, coordinate and synchronise their operations. We use latest technologies and focus a lot on developing our internal efficiency so that we can deliver the best possible service to our customers,” says Vehvilainen.

Cargotec’s global network is positioned close to customers, offering extensive services to ensure continuous, reliable and sustainable performance according to customer needs. Through its different business areas, Cargotec has an overview and a unique position to look at the whole cargo handling value chain.

Kalmar: Making every move count
Kalmar is an independent business area within Cargotec. The company, whose history stretches back over a hundred years, provides cargo handling solutions and services to ports, terminals, distribution centres and heavy industry.

“Innovation has always been at the heart of our business – we’ve consistently revolutionised container handling solutions for the benefit of our customers,” says Peter McLean, Senior Vice President of Kalmar Asia Pacific. “We developed the first industrial straddle carrier in the 1940s, and the first RoRo tractor in the 1970s. To meet the need for more efficient container handling, Kalmar commercialised the first generation of reachstackers in the 1980s and, a decade later, introduced the first container handler for rough terrain operations. Our first steps in terminal automation were taken more than 20 years ago,” he adds.

Kalmar’s integrated solutions offer a wide range of indispensable benefits. Its solutions help optimise terminal operations and improve port capacity by increasing operational predictability and ensuring high and consistent productivity. Kalmar’s services allow the real-time view of all operations.
“Our promise is summed up in five words: making your every move count. We are unique in our ability to enable seamless integration of different terminal processes. With these innovations and many others, we revolutionised the cargo and container handling industries. And with our passion, combined experience and deep knowledge of the industry, our aim is to exceed expectations again and again,” McLean says.

In 2015, Kalmar and Navis introduced the industry’s first integrated automation solution, Kalmar OneTerminal, that combines software systems, equipment and services for seamless deployment. At the end of 2016, Kalmar had more than 5,700 employees in 30 countries worldwide.

Bromma’s commitment to quality
Bromma is one of Kalmar’s many divisions. Its key product is the spreader, or the “gripping” device of a container crane. Bromma was the company to introduce the telescopic spreader—a gripping device adjustable to fit different container sizes –in 1967. Since then, it has been the leading supplier of crane spreaders in the world.

While a spreader is often delivered as part of a new crane installation, it plays such a crucial role that port operators pay particular attention to ensure that they are getting the most reliable spreader. Thanks to its expertise, Bromma is a trusted partner of container handling terminals in ports around the world. Its global client base also includes crane manufacturers.

“We have delivered crane spreaders to 500 terminals in 90 nations on 6 continents, and Bromma spreaders are in service today at 97 out of the world’s largest 100 container ports,” explains Peter Cederholm, President of Bromma.

Bromma’s world-class spreaders are built through a rigorous manufacturing process which utilizes only the best quality materials. Apart from its renowned product, Bromma is also committed to continuously supporting its customers. “We have the largest and most wide-spread support organisation in the market. We provide on-site technical support and can offer training in local languages. We have a life-long commitment to support our customers. This is our key differentiator,” says Cederholm.To further solidify its position as the market leader, Bromma has invested in intelligent technology to minimize downtime. “If a problem occurs we can provide on how to fix the problem as fast as possible. Even better, we have technology that can predict future problems, enabling the customer to prevent the problem from occurring in the first place,” Cederholm notes. Bromma has a headquarters in Singapore. 

MacGregor: The future with smart tech
MacGregor’s solutions make the sea more accessible, safe and reliable. MacGregor creates value for shipbuilders, owners and operators in the offshore and marine industries through innovative engineering solutions and services for handling marine cargoes and offshore loads.

“We have a strong track record in developing and delivering systems and solutions which maximise the safety, efficiency and eco-efficiency of our customers operations at sea and are committed to preserving our innovative roots,” notes Michel van Roozendaal, President of MacGregor. The company is leveraging emerging technologies to shape the future of shipping. “Currently, these innovations include our progress and participation in the development of autonomous shipping. Furthermore, we are using virtual reality to train ship operators to be more efficient and safer and optimising on-board cargo systems to ensure that container ships can carry maximum payload,” Roozendaal says.

Apart from developing software-supported and remotely-controlled operations, MacGregor is also developing and offering technology that enables operators to switch from traditional, heavy steel rope to fibre-rope systems that maximise ship crane’s capabilities. “We develop and innovate in close cooperation with our customers and other key industry stakeholders. We are constantly looking at various current and future technologies to be applied for the benefit of our customers operations,” notes Roozendaal. The company is strengthening its position in new segments like the renewable energy sector, where it can apply its existing portfolio and capabilities. MacGregor has a headquarters in Singapore.