Shipping giant Grimaldi Group has ordered 47 forklifts and 12 skid-steer loaders from Amsterdam-based Forkliftcenter.

The equipment being supplied are:

15 Konecranes 4 T heavy forklifts included special rotating system;

6 Konecranes 12 T forklifts with triplex mast;

12 Bobcat skid-steer loaders converted as car pushers;

8 Toyota 7 T forklifts with triplex mast;

8 Yale 2.5 T forklifts with triplex mast; and

10 Toyota 2.5 T forklifts with triplex mast.

The equipment has been tailored to the specific needs of the Naples-based Grimaldi Group and their varied areas of operation.

For example, the 42 T forklifts have integrated rotators for loading and unloading bulk containers, while the skid-steer loaders have been fully converted to serve as car pushers.

The manoeuvrability of the machines makes them perfect for use in the tight spaces on shipping vessels that usually pose a challenge.

“We first worked with Grimaldi over 10 years ago,” says Bjørn Andre′ de la Porte, chief executive and owner of the Forkliftcenter. ‘This new agreement, including maintenance and servicing, builds on that foundation and continues a strong partnership.”

Mario Fuduli, head of the Grimaldi Group Procurement Dept, says: “Through this new agreement we will be able to further strengthen our cargo handling operations with state-of- the-art equipment.”

The family-owned Grimaldi Group operates a fleet of more 130 vessels and employs approximately 18,000 people around the world.

The company comprises seven shipping companies, including Atlantic Container Line, which offers transport services for containers and rolling cargo between North America and North Europe.