Kalmar secures electric straddle carrier order from Port of Virginia
Kalmar has secured an order from the Port of Virginia for 10 fully electric straddle carriers, supporting the US East Coast port’s efforts to expand its cargo-handling capabilities and introduce more sustainable equipment into its terminal operations.
The order was recorded in Kalmar’s third-quarter 2026 order intake, with deliveries scheduled for completion during the third quarter of 2027. The new equipment will be deployed at Norfolk International Terminals (NIT), the largest container terminal operated by the Port of Virginia.
The Port of Virginia operates semi-automated container facilities, including Norfolk International Terminals and Virginia International Gateway. The port has established a target of achieving net-zero Scope 1 and Scope 2 carbon emissions by 2040, with equipment electrification forming part of its efforts to reduce emissions from terminal operations.
Electric equipment and terminal development
The 10 electric straddle carriers will be equipped with lithium-ion batteries developed for heavy-duty equipment applications. According to Kalmar, the machines can operate for up to 600 minutes, supporting extended periods of container-handling activity.
Each unit will also feature the Kalmar Collision Warning System, which uses visual and audible alerts to warn operators of potential collision risks. The technology is intended to improve safety during equipment movements within the terminal.
Norfolk International Terminals is undergoing an expansion programme that will increase its annual container-handling capacity to 3.6 million TEU. According to Kalmar’s announcement, the terminal’s equipment fleet will include more than 90 semi-automated stacking cranes and 113 Kalmar hybrid straddle carriers following the ongoing development.
“Integrating these fully electric Kalmar straddle carriers with the Collision Warning System into our operations is a vital step in our journey to create safer and more sustainable operations,” said Patrick Jefferson, Director of Operations at Norfolk International Terminals.
The latest agreement continues a commercial relationship between Kalmar and the Port of Virginia that dates back to 2007.
Troy Thompson, Head of Sales Americas at Kalmar, said the new electric equipment and collision warning technology would support the port’s operational safety and sustainability objectives.
The financial value of the order was not disclosed. The equipment remains on order, with delivery expected to be completed in the third quarter of 2027.
