As of August 1, 2013, the Gdynia Port Technical Plant (Portowy Zakład Techniczny SA) is the owner of a specialized SPMT (Self-Propelled Modular Transporter) transport set, manufactured by the European leader in such machinery – the German company Scheuerle. This is the fourth generation of machines produced for customers worldwide since 1983. It is the first such equipment owned by a Polish company in Poland.
Until now, Polish contractors could only use foreign machines transported specifically for the execution of a contract in Poland from Germany or the Netherlands. The set purchased by PZT consists of four 4-axle transport trailers and two power pack units, which can be connected to each other in virtually any configuration. It is characterized by high versatility; it is possible to operate the entire set in one transport line, two parallel (2 trailers each) transport lines, and many other possibilities. Each of the 4 trailers has a load capacity of approximately 130 tons, which in total allows for the transport of loads weighing slightly over 500 tons. The two power pack units owned allow for the connection of up to five 4-axle trailers to each.
Significant features of the set include very precise movement in every possible direction: forward, backward, sideways, diagonally, and turning around virtually any possible axis of rotation. Additionally, the entire set has the ability to raise and lower the loading platform, the height of which from the ground during transport is approx. 1.5 meters by ±35 centimeters. This allows for self-loading under the cargo, lifting it, transporting it to the destination, and self-unloading from under the cargo.
The set is adapted for transport to the workplace using standard TIR trucks. The weight of one trailer together with the power pack unit does not exceed 20 tons, and the dimensions (trailer 6m x 2.43m, power pack unit 2.7 x 2.43) allow for trouble-free loading onto a TIR truck.
Currently, PZT specialists are preparing for their first own transports of ASC cranes manufactured by Konecranes, already assembled at the Danish Quay in the Port of Gdynia, for a contractor from the USA. A specialized ship for the first 5 cranes is expected in Gdynia at the turn of August and September. Until then, thanks to the new transport capabilities, 8 already assembled ASC cranes will be moved to a temporary storage yard to free up space for subsequent assemblies. In total, by March 2014, PZT will deliver to the USA cranes for an entire container terminal consisting of 20 ASC-type cranes operating in an automatic cycle.
The purchased transport set marks the beginning of a new form of service activity by PZT SA, which will be specialized transport of heavy and oversized loads. In the longer term, PZT SA plans further development investments to increase the load capacity of the set already owned.
Source: PZT