Conductix-Wampfler Electrifies RTGs in Montreal

Conductix-Wampfler has completed what it claimed was Canada’s first electrified rubber-tyred gantry (E-RTG) container crane conversion at the Port of Montreal.

To electrify terminal operator Montreal Gateway Terminals (MGT)’s RTGs, the company used a 440 m long electric rail runway equipped with a Drive-in L conductor rail system with two drive-in zones.

According to the company, this version of the Drive-in L includes special features to adapt to the Canadian winter climate.

The cold-weather components feature an isolated and heated control panel with the company’s PLC and switching devices, snow covers and heated conductor rail.

MGT said that it selected the Drive-In and rail system because of its lightness and compact size, which it claimed make the system right for every type of RTG.

The E-RTG system is the first one to include Conductix-Wampfler’s new patented ProfiDAT data transfer system, which incorporates the company’s slotted waveguide technology.

According to the company, the multi-purpose data profile, installed in parallel with the power conductor rails, is expected to “ensure the accurate transmission of high data volumes in real-time quality”.

Mixed data include video, audio and real-time control data, which is required for the E-RTG auto-steering system.

Daniel Boyer, maintenance and engineering manager at MGT, said: “MGT is concerned about the environment, contributing to our society with the reduction of greenhouse gases through the reduction of diesel fuel.

“Also, MGT has experienced a significant increase in the speed of the RGTs, which is having a positive impact on productivity.”