Century Ports and Kalmar partner to power the next generation of port operations in Kolkata

As the first private terminal operator under the Public-Private Partnership model at Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, Kolkata, Century Ports is focused on delivering faster cargo movement, greater operational efficiency and a better experience for its customers.

At the heart of its yard operations is a fleet of 13 Kalmar Reachstackers, supporting the movement, stacking and repositioning of containers across the terminal.

Building a new benchmark for port operations

Century Ports represents an important milestone in the development of Kolkata's maritime infrastructure. The terminal has been designed to bring together private-sector efficiency, modern cargo-handling infrastructure and technology-driven operations within a historically important port ecosystem.

The facility is equipped to handle containerised, bulk and break-bulk cargo, with an initial container-handling capacity of approximately 165,000 standard 20-foot containers and approximately 330,000 tonnes of other cargo.

Its strategic location, close to major container freight stations, also supports efficient cargo evacuation and inland connectivity.

Modern equipment is central to this approach. A Mobile Harbour Crane, Barge Unloader and yard-handling equipment work together to support cargo movement from vessel to yard and onwards to the next stage of the logistics journey.

Digital integration adds another layer of visibility, with RFID-enabled gates, real-time container inventory integration and other technology solutions supporting more transparent and connected operations.

Kalmar Reachstackers supporting yard productivity

In a modern terminal, efficient yard operations are essential to keeping cargo moving.

Containers need to be handled, stacked, repositioned and delivered to trucks with minimal delays. This places strong demands on the availability, reliability and productivity of yard equipment.

At Century Ports, 13 Kalmar Reachstackers form an important part of this operational ecosystem.

The machines support a range of activities, including laden and empty container handling, stacking, repositioning and yard movements, helping the terminal maintain a smooth flow of containers across its operations.

For Century Ports, the focus goes beyond simply moving containers. It is about moving them as efficiently as possible while making effective use of equipment, people and infrastructure.

Improving efficiency through intelligent equipment

Fuel consumption is an important consideration in reachstacker operations, particularly when a fleet is working continuously across demanding container-handling activities.

Kalmar's load-sensing hydraulic technology is designed to adjust hydraulic power according to the actual operating requirement. By providing power when it is needed rather than continuously operating at maximum hydraulic demand, the technology supports more efficient machine operation.

For Century Ports, this contributes to a broader focus on controlling operating costs while maintaining the productivity and reliability required in a busy terminal environment.

The objective is simple: optimise machine utilisation, support fuel efficiency and create better economics across the terminal operation.

Supporting the complete cargo flow

The performance of yard equipment is closely connected to the wider terminal operation.

Century Ports' approach brings together infrastructure, equipment, technology and people to support the movement of cargo through the terminal. Reachstackers work alongside vessel-handling equipment and terminal trucks, helping connect different stages of the cargo-handling process.

Efficient yard handling can support:

• Faster container movements
• Efficient stacking and repositioning
• Laden and empty container handling
• Better equipment utilisation
• Smooth interaction with terminal trucks
• Consistent performance across operating shifts
• Reduced operational delays

This integrated approach is particularly important as Century Ports develops its vision of an end-to-end logistics ecosystem extending from the first mile through to the last mile.

A partnership built around efficiency

For Century Ports and Kalmar, the relationship represents more than the deployment of new equipment. It reflects a shared focus on building a more productive and efficient terminal operation.

By combining Century Ports' modern infrastructure and digital capabilities with Kalmar's container-handling technology, the two companies are working towards an operation where equipment and information work together to keep cargo moving.

Efficiency, productivity, reliability and sustainability are all part of that ambition.

For Century Ports, improving fuel efficiency and machine utilisation is not only about reducing individual equipment costs. It is about creating a more efficient operating model across the terminal and ultimately delivering greater value to customers.

Customer voice

“At Century Ports, our objective is to build a modern, efficient and future-ready terminal that delivers value to our customers through faster cargo handling, operational transparency and reliable logistics solutions.

With a fleet of 13 Kalmar Reachstackers supporting our yard operations, we have a strong equipment platform to support our container-handling requirements. Fuel efficiency, productivity and machine availability are critical to our operation, and Kalmar's technology helps us optimise machine performance while keeping operating costs under control.

The combination of Century Ports' modern terminal infrastructure and Kalmar's advanced handling equipment allows us to focus on what matters most, moving cargo safely, efficiently and reliably.

For us, the partnership with Kalmar is about more than machines. It is about building a more productive, efficient and future-ready port operation.” Ghanshyam Dubey, Senior Manager - Operations & Maintenance at Century Ports Limited.

Looking ahead

As Kolkata's logistics landscape continues to evolve, Century Ports is building its terminal around a combination of modern infrastructure, technology and operational efficiency.

The Kalmar Reachstackers are an important part of that vision, providing the yard-handling capability needed to keep containers moving while supporting Century Ports' focus on fuel efficiency, reliability and cost-effective operations.

Together, Century Ports and Kalmar are demonstrating how the right combination of infrastructure, equipment and technology can help create a smarter and more connected port operation.