VYCON proves its worth to YICT

China’s Yantian International Container Terminal (YICT) has agreed to buy additional units of VYCON’s mobile cranes.

The decision to place a new order for REGEN Crane Energy Storage systems was based on a test conducted by the Shenzhen-based company, a joint venture established by Hutchison Port Holdings (HPH) Group and Shenzhen Yantian Port Group.

YICT is responsible for operating and managing Phases I, II, III, Expansion Project and West Port at Yantian Port.

The test conducted at YICT showed that retrofitting a Rubber Tired Gantry (RTG) crane with the VYCON REGEN system and optimising the generator can provide up to 38 percent in fuel savings. At the operational rates found at YICT of approximately 10 moves per hour, the REGEN system reduced fuel consumption by 30 percent.

VYCON’s strength not only lies in controlling fuel costs but also in reduction of emissions be it during lift cycles or the overall operation. It derives such benefit from its high recycling capabilities, which optimise RTG cranes’ (mobile cranes designed for the movement of shipping containers once they are placed into the distribution channels from the ship) diesel generator operation by storing energy during lowering cycles (regeneration) and quickly releasing this regenerated energy for lift cycles.

These transitions are seamless and instantaneous, according to the company.

VYCON is expects to reap benefits from such performance as Yantian is a preferred port of call for mega-container vessels in South China.

The YICT Expansion Project is currently under construction. This project includes six container berths involving an investment of over RMB10 billion. It is scheduled to be completed by 2010.