Baltic Hub expands rail handling capacity

Baltic Hub, the largest container terminal in the Baltic Sea, has strengthened its intermodal capabilities with the delivery of two new electric rail mounted gantry (RMG) cranes.

The additional equipment is expected to improve container handling by rail and increase the terminal’s rail siding capacity to 1.2 million teu annually once operational.

“In line with PSA’s Node to Network strategy, Baltic Hub consistently invests in advanced technological solutions and expands its operational facilities to strengthen nodal excellence, increase flexibility and adapt to evolving market requirements,” said Jan van Mossevelde, chief executive of Baltic Hub.

“The deployment of two additional RMG cranes is another step towards this goal and expresses our support for the development of sustainable intermodal transport.”

The two cranes will become the fifth and sixth pieces of handling equipment serving Baltic Hub’s rail yard, which comprises seven tracks with a combined length of 5.25 kilometres.

Each RMG crane will feature an optical character recognition system for automatic container number identification, an anti-collision system and 11 cameras to assist operators. Additional technologies include micro-movements of the spreader for precise positioning and emergency winch brakes designed to improve workplace safety.

The steel structures for the cranes were largely manufactured in Poland, while final assembly was carried out at the terminal. Their electric operation is expected to improve operational efficiency while reducing carbon emissions associated with rail-yard handling activities.

Baltic Hub currently handles almost 800 trains each month, connecting Poland with markets across central and eastern Europe, including the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary and Ukraine. The terminal has continued investing in rail infrastructure as demand for intermodal freight transport develops.