State-owned ESLSE, sole operator for multimodal logistics services in the country, signed the order in October with deliveries to be made within 16 weeks.
The seven-tonne Kalmar DCE70-6 forklifts and 10-tonne Kalmar DCF100-45E8 empty container handlers will see service at the coastal port of Djibouti with its 800,000-TEU annual throughput, which also serves as the principle port serving Ethiopia via the dry port at Mojo, 800 kilometres away.
As part of its infrastructure development, ESLSE is developing similar dry ports around the country to receive and distribute cargo, said the Kalmar statement.
Said ESLSE chief executive Ahmed Tusa: "This additional Kalmar equipment will definitely increase the overall efficiency of our operations."