Conductix-Wampfler electrifies DP World's Mundra International Container Terminal in India

In August 2017, Conductix-Wampfler – one of the world's leading manufacturers of systems for energy and data transmission to mobile consumers – electrified DP World's Mundra International Container Terminal Pte Ltd (MICT) in the Indian state of Gujarat. In total 18 rubber-tired gantry cranes (RTGs) were equipped with the E-RTG Drive-In L solution, including the 2D off-track system. “In just eight months, two months ahead of schedule, we installed 6,200 meters of conductor rail systems as single-side and back-to-back solutions in 36 container blocks, and all with the terminal staying fully operational,” explains Philipp Wasmer, Business Development Manager for Container Handling at Conductix-Wampfler.

DP World’s Mundra International Container Terminal (MICT) has successfully handled 10 million TEUs since its inception in June 2003, making it the first terminal in Gujarat to have achieved this. The terminal is also one of the most technically advanced port facilities in the Indian Subcontinent. It is the closest gateway to the largest cargo generating regions of North and Northwest India, with an ability to handle some of the deepest container vessels.
As a global trade enabler, DP World is an integral part of the international supply chain, operating multiple yet related businesses – from marine and inland terminals, maritime services, logistics and ancillary services to technology-driven trade solutions.

With a portfolio of 78 terminals in over 40 countries across six continents, with a significant presence in both high-growth and mature markets, container handling is the company’s core business and generates more than three quarters of its revenue. In 2017, DP World handled 70.1 million TEU (twenty-foot equivalent units) across our portfolio.

Reduction of maintenance and downtime

Thanks to its compact design, the Drive-In L can be installed on both sides of the RTG under the sill beam – regardless of the model of the RTG and the position of the diesel power unit. This makes the solution the most flexible of its kind currently on the market. Even in terms of operating performance there is almost no difference to conventional RTGs. The entry or exit time of the RTG is less than 20 seconds with Drive-In L. The short entry zone also makes it possible to supply the RTG with electrical power right from the first row of containers. Further the compensation of tolerances is ensured which occur during gantry travel of the RTG into container blocks or due to lifting and lowering. Coupling into the conductor rail is fully automatic once prompted by the crane operator. With the Drive-In L solution there is no need for ground personnel when changing blocks, which also increases safety in the terminal.

Addition of ProfiDAT® solution possible

The complete equipment for the electrification in Mundra was produced at the Center of Excellence in Germany and by Conductix-Wampfler India. “We designed the system so that it can be upgraded with the ProfiDAT® solution at any time,” says Daniel Thomas, Manager for Global E-RTG Projects at Conductix-Wampfler. The integrated data-transmission system combines a data-transmission channel with a conductor rail that can also be used as a ground conductor rail. “The conversion can therefore be carried out without any great installation effort, since the existing ground conductor rail is simply replaced by the combined profile without the need for additional installation space,” says Thomas.