Revolution of Maritime Logistics: Automatic Lashing Platform

HAMBURG, Germany, June 6, 2011 /PRNewswire/ --

- KALP GmbH presents Automatic Lashing Platform (ALP) at TOC Antwerp

- The ALP will replace the last manual link in a fully automated process chain

- The automatic device, which has passed extensive proofs of concepts, fits and removes twistlocks

- Key technology to achieve huge productivity increase, to generate cost savings and to increase workplace safety of container handling

The Germany-based KALP GmbH, which is owned to 45 percent by Lloyd Fonds AG, presents what is considered to be a revolution of maritime logistics: the fist fully automated Lashing Platform (ALP). The ALP fully automates the manual coning and deconing of twistlocks and stackers on the quay during load and discharge process. The device is the only such platform which successfully passed an extensive proof of concept and is fully functional.

The new technology fundamentally optimises current maritime logistic systems, not only by considerably increasing work safety but also efficiency and hence competitiveness of container terminals. The system has been tested successfully in Bremerhaven (GER) and will go in series production later this year. Demand for the ALP is already high, especially considering the fact that in 2011 Tandem-Lift-Spreaders will be rolled out.

Innovative technology

The KALP GmbH has been successful in what many others have failed before: the development of a technology that fully automates the landside twistlock handling for load and discharge. During the process, twistlock devices automatically remove / attach twistlocks to the containers, controlled by a PLC system which is applicable for all coning and deconing processes. Multifuncionality is also ensured by the fact, that the ALP is compatible with approx. 85% of all known twistlocks and stacking cones.

The revolutionary magazine technology can hold up to 150 deck twistlocks or up to 300 stackers each, the twin-lift capable ALP is equipped with eight magazines. Given balanced load and discharge figures, the ALP magazines provide capacity for discharging and loading back a full deck or hold of containers of the 14,000 TEU container vessels of the last generation (300 deck moves / 360 hold moves) without the need to manually empty or refill the magazines, which further reduces the need for man-power at the terminals.

Furthermore, the device self-generates needed energy by using the container weight on impact. An integrated, hydraulic damping technology absorbs the forces and reduces impact on cargo, equipment and quay structure which also helps saving maintenance costs.

Competitive edge: fast, economic, energy-efficient and safe

The ALP will significantly increase the competitiveness of terminals for a number of reasons. Firstly ALP is a key technology towards achieving full productivity of container handling. Extensive tests in Bremerhaven (GER) have shown that the capacity can be increased by at least six to eight percent. The device does also save costs by diminishing the number of required staff on site.

Secondly the automated process considerably advances work safety as stevedores are no longer exposed in the danger area to carry out the twistlock operations manually during the load and discharge process.

"The Automatic Lashing Platform will revolutionise maritime logistics. The device, which allows to fully automate the landside twistlock handling process, generates a real competitive edge by increasing efficiency of container handling and work safety," says Michael F. Seidel, CFO/CSO of Lloyd Fonds AG.

The KALP GmbH is currently on show at the TOC Antwerp, stand F 10. Further details about the Automatic Lashing Platform can also be downloaded here: http://www.kalp-gmbh.de

About Lloyd Fonds AG:

Lloyd Fonds AG is one of the top arrangers of closed-end investment funds in Germany. Over its history, which now spans over 15 years, the Hamburg-based company has initiated more than100 funds with an investment volume of around EUR 4.7 billion. The current secondary-market fund "Best of Shipping III" received the 2011 Feri EuroRating Award in March. Research company FondsMedia has awarded Lloyd Fonds the 2010 Seal of Sustainability. Lloyd Fonds specializes in tangible asset investments in the transport, real estate and energy segments. To date, around 52,000 subscribers have placed equity of just under two billion Euros in investment funds arranged by Lloyd Fonds AG. Lloyd Treuhand GmbH is responsible for subscriber relations. Lloyd Fonds has been listed on the Frankfurt stock exchange since 2005 (WKN 617487, ISIN code DE0006174873).

    
    Press inquiries:

    Lloyd Fonds AG: Christiane Bruening
    Amelungstrasse 8 - 10, 20354 Hamburg, christiane.bruening@lloydfonds.de
    Tel: +49(0)40-32-56-78-142 or -142. Fax: +49(0)40-32-56-78-99.

    Investor Relations: Carolin von Below
    Tel: +49(0)40-32-56-78-127. Fax: +49(0)40-32-56-78-99.
    E-Mail: carolin.von-below@lloydfonds.de

    Marcel Wiskow
    Tel: +49(0)40-32-56-78-174. Fax: +49(0)40-32-56-78-99.
    E-Mail: marcel. wiskow@lloydfonds.de