The containers in the stack yard need to be densely stacked but logistically arranged; access time must be short and performance optimised. All this is ensured by the Gottwald Port Technology Automated Stacking Crane (ASC). ASC cranes perform fully-automated housekeeping and management of container stacks. They also form the link between quayside and landside equipment such as ship-to-shore cranes, transport vehicles and trucks.

The Automated Stacking Crane (ASC) stands for the high innovative power of Gottwald in automated port handling - the product of many years of intensive development work; this work resulted in the first order in May 2005. The new Gottwald stacking cranes are being implemented in the most important of the Belgian seaports, Antwerp. At this new Antwerp Gateway Terminal, the ASCs will guarantee fully automated housekeeping of the entire stacking area.

The ASC in Detail
Designed as a portal crane, the ASC spans nine container rows in a 1-over-5 solution.In one stacking module, two Automated Stacking Cranes can be operated on only one craneway. This concept reduces the number of rails required and their associated foundations. In this way, the investment costs for foundations are reduced, and optimal use of area is made possible. Access times for placing into storage and removal from storage also meet and exceed the highest productivity requirements. The width of the modules is variable and can thus be adapted to customer requirements. The scope of delivery also includes the complete control software package, including the so-called module manager that protects both cranes when they are operating on only a single craneway. The cranes are designed for operation at wind speeds of up to 10 Bft, making it possible to offer the operator maximum availability, even at high wind speeds.

One of the basic ideas at Gottwald is building on existing know-how. This is also the principle that has been applied to the Automated Stacking Crane, as can be seen in the use of the same automation, positioning and drive technologies that are already part of the Wide Span Gantry (WSG) crane launched onto the market in 2003.