TraPac chooses Künz and ABB for new cranes and systems upgrade at Los Angeles terminal

Example of rail-mounted stacking crane to be delivered to TraPac by Künz and ABB [Photo: PSA Antwerp]

Wilmington, Calif.-based container terminal operator TraPac LLC has selected Austrian crane builder Künz GmbH and ABB to deliver nine new rail-mounted stacking cranes as part of a major expansion of its Los Angeles facilities.

The project is part of a strategic terminal expansion program at TraPac. The nine new rail mounted stacking cranes will increase yard capacity and support the long-term development of container handling operations at the terminal.

The cranes will be manufactured at Künz production facilities in Europe. The assembly will be carried out in Poland to allow a fully erected, commissioned and tested delivery, which is scheduled between 2027 and 2028.

Künz will deliver the complete steel structure of the cranes, including the integration of all mechanical components. ABB, a long-standing Künz technology partner will supply the electrification and control systems for the project.

TraPac is seeking not only to increase terminal capacity but also to ensure new and existing cranes function as a single, unified fleet. To ensure that all of TraPac’s cranes operate to the same high standards, ABB will refurbish systems on 29 existing stacking cranes and three rail-mounted gantry cranes serving intermodal operations. ABB’s OEM-agnostic crane technology will seamlessly integrate with existing equipment and support long-term reliability and operational performance.

“We selected Künz and ABB based on their respective proven track record in supplying high-performance cranes and integrating electrical and control systems,” said Cameron Thorpe, TraPac’s president and CEO. “The nine new rail-mounted stacking cranes from Künz with ABB systems will support the increasing demand for our services, while ABB’s upgrades to our existing stacking cranes not only extend their lifecycle but also ensure performance excellence across the board.”

“The contract with TraPac on the U.S. West Coast underlines our capabilities in serving the international container industry,” said David Moosbrugger, managing director, Künz . “With innovative technical solutions and a consistent focus on quality and reliability, we continue to position ourselves successfully in highly competitive global markets.”

“Our integration of electrical and control systems for new and existing cranes enables TraPac to operate a single, cohesive fleet for years to come,” said Clara Holmgren, global business line manager, ports, at ABB’s Marine & Ports division. “The flexibility of our crane technology also lays a foundation for further upgrades to the existing fleet.”