VAHLE electrifies container blocks in the new Khalifa Port

• German company responsible for terminal automation
• More efficiency and sustainability through emission-free solutions
• VAHLE initially equips 16 container blocks with automation systems

Paul Vahle GmbH & Co. KG has been awarded a major contract for the electrification and automation of container blocks in the new Khalifa Port in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE). In the first phase, the world's leading supplier of power and data transmission solutions for mobile applications and expert in port automation will equip 16 container blocks with automation systems and install around 22 kilometres of conductor rails. VAHLE was awarded the contract by the CMA CGM Group, a leading French shipping and logistics company headquartered in Marseille.

The first phase of the new electrification project, which will start in summer 2024, involves equipping 16 container blocks with VAHLE automation systems. Around 22 kilometers of the U35 conductor system will be installed there. The system will also be equipped with fail-safe SMGX data communication. This will ensure partial automation for the future. The telescopic arms for 20 eRTG cranes will also be supplied by VAHLE, while the cranes themselves will be supplied by the Finnish company Konecranes.

"This order represents a milestone for us, as it is not only the third joint project we are working on with Konecranes, after the two ports in the USA, the Port of Wilmington and the Port of Baltimore, but also the first with the CMA CGM Group," said Jaroslaw Warzecha, Director Ports at VAHLE. "Due to the tight schedule, the eRTGs will be delivered to Abu Dhabi in individual parts and assembled on site. This will be an enormous challenge given the temperatures in August, as we have already experienced with the AIN Dubai project."

This is another milestone in the history of the VAHLE port division, which was originally founded in 2014. "We are looking forward to launching the project in Khalifa Port on the occasion of our 10th anniversary in 2024," enthuses Warzecha.

The demand for port electrification and terminal automation is enormous worldwide — operators are aiming to reduce their CO2 emissions to zero by 2040. With its innovative and efficient container terminal solutions for zero-emission applications, the German company sees itself as an enabler that plays a decisive role in terms of sustainability and CO2 neutrality.