Kalmar, part of Cargotec, has acquired total ownership in the Spanish crane refurbishment and maintenance company Mareiport, S.A.
The acquisition is an important step for Kalmar to become a larger global crane refurbishment and services provider. Kalmar has held a 30-percent share in Mareiport since 2007.
Mareiport is a privately owned company established in 1985 in Algeciras, Spain. The company has been providing maintenance services for ports and terminals and refurbishment and heightening services for a large variety of equipment, including quay cranes, rubber-tired gantry cranes, bulk cranes and large shipyard cranes especially in the Mediterranean area. In 2012, Mareiport’s sales totaled about 20 million euros ($26 million) and it employs about 250 people.
“There are about 5,000 units of quay cranes in operation globally. A majority of them have been in operation over 10 years and are in need of refurbishments and upgrades,” said Olli Isotalo, president of Kalmar, in a statement.
Kalmar has successfully delivered crane heightening projects globally using its crane jacking system and technology adaptable to old crane designs. Crane heightening and refurbishment provides a way for customers to improve crane capacity with higher stacking height and extended reach at minimum cost. Crane heightening projects can be completed in a few weeks, resulting in minimum equipment downtime, Kalmar said.