13.01.2021

Kalmar forms JV with Nokia

Kalmar is to expand its ongoing collaboration with Nokia, with the formation of a new Joint Venture, to provide new solutions for port and terminal operators to further automate operations and improve productivity.

The two companies will combine their communications and cargo handling technology expertise in new integrated solutions development and research joint venture.

Nokia will provide its Nokia Digital Automation Cloud (DAC) solution, a digitalisation platform that is said to provide a reliable, secure, and high performance private wireless network with industrial connectors and edge computing capabilities on a cloud based monitoring system.

The first new programme will see Kalmar incorporate Nokia 4G and 5G private wireless into its straddle carriers, automated stacking carriers and rubber-tyred gantry cranes helping ports and terminal operators to increase container handling efficiency and enhance on-site safety levels. Nokia has more than 220 large private wireless customers of which more than 30 are already 5G.

The two are also working on 5G research projects in Finland as well as on ‘ultra reliable positioning’ for safe acceleration of automated cargo handling equipment.
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The Kalmar technology and competence centre

Jochen Apel, vice president transportation, logistics and manufacturing at Nokia Cloud and Network Services, said: “This venture builds on our existing business relationship with Kalmar. Nokia is now bringing a range of digitalisation offerings to the alliance, with particular emphasis on private wireless, to add to Kalmar’s cargo handling technology know how. This joint approach promises significant gains in efficiency and productivity for ports and intermodal terminal operators.”

Antti Kaunonen, president of Kalmar Automation Solutions added: “Port and terminal operators worldwide are eager to leverage the productivity gains on offer with cargo handling automation – and secure, reliable, high bandwidth, low latency connectivity is an essential part of that equation. By integrating our pioneering Kalmar solutions with the latest Nokia digitalisation innovation, we can deliver a new generation of offerings that transform port terminal operations.”

The co-operation began in 2019 when Kalmar – part of the Cargotec group - and Ukkoverkot - now Edzcom - a private network provider, began working with Nokia to build a wireless digitalisation infrastructure for port and terminal research and development.