The journey to zero tailpipe emissions is different for every terminal operator. Konecranes equipment comes with a range of power options to choose from, so you can move forward at your own pace.
Electrification is the clear direction for ports worldwide, but breakbulk and project cargo operators are at various stages on the journey. Some are ready to invest in fully electric equipment, while others need a phased approach that recognizes real-world constraints.
Recognizing this challenge, Konecranes offers a range of power options across its lift trucks, mobile harbor cranes and other port equipment. Instead of providing a single one-size-fits-all solution, the company works with customers to understand their needs and find the right fit. This approach makes lower-emission operations more achievable – no matter what your starting point is.
Flexible power options in mobile harbor cranes
For more than 70 years, terminals around the world have been using Konecranes Gottwald Mobile Harbor Cranes for cargo and container operations. Today’s Generation 6 models make a major leap forward with a modular drive concept. Options include onboard hybrid drives, an external power supply, or all-electric drives that combine shore power with Li-ion batteries.
Operators with reliable access to the grid have been able to make significant gains in reducing tailpipe emissions. One of these is Eimskip, an Icelandic maritime-logistics provider that now operates 11 Konecranes Gottwald Mobile Harbor Cranes. The fleet is mostly powered by electricity, with it taking just three years for Eimskip to recoup the cost of adding an external power supply to the cranes.
“When connected to the grid, our energy savings average at about 15%. At the same time, we’re reducing CO2 emissions by 50%. There are other great benefits too, including 20% lower cost of maintenance. The vibrations to the crane are much less and we have longer intervals between servicing. We see that the use of electricity has a very good impact on the lifespan of the cranes,” explains Eimskip Senior Manager Guðmundur Ágúst Aðalsteinsson.
The Port of Skellefteå in northern Sweden is another Nordic customer running an all-electric Konecranes Gottwald Mobile Harbor Crane. It operates on power from the port’s grid when stationary and runs on a 250-kWh onboard Li-ion battery when on the move. This means local tailpipe emissions have been eliminated.
“By using the port’s own electricity and batteries, we are forging ahead in terms of eco-efficiency. We turned again to Konecranes, the pioneer of all-electric crane operation and the only company offering this combination. In the decision-making process, we looked at Konecranes’ electric expertise not only in cranes, but across the entire port,” says Lars Widelund, CEO at Port of Skellefteå.
Electric innovations in Konecranes electric forklifts
When it comes to lift trucks, Konecranes E-VER electric forklifts provide the same power and reliability as their diesel equivalents. Uncompromised output from all-electric equipment is a priority across many sectors with emissions targets to meet. For example, the Irish Defence Forces put out a tender looking for an eco-efficient forklift that would meet its demanding requirements. Konecranes' electric forklift was selected as the winner.
“The purchase of this fully electric machine is in line with the Irish Defence Forces’ stated intent to seek out clean and innovative transport solutions, and is a clear demonstration of our eco-efficient procurement initiatives,” said Col Brendan Norton, Director of Transport for the Irish Defence Forces.
At the heart of E-VER is a fully electric drive powered by high-performance lithium-ion batteries. Konecranes Thermal Management System (TMS) and Battery Management System (BMS) work together to regulate temperature and charging. Energy efficiency is further improved through regenerative braking and load lowering, while fast-charging capabilities keep operations running with minimal interruption.
Another E-VER customer is German modular construction company Algeco. Having set ambitious targets to reduce direct emissions in its business, Algeco ordered five Konecranes E-VER forklifts to reduce exhaust emissions generated during material handling. The company also has older Konecranes forklifts in its portfolio, so can see firsthand how the output from both sets of equipment is the same.
“The Konecranes E-VERs we ordered are a fully electric version of our other Konecranes forklifts, and we’re confident they will deliver the same high performance and increase our productivity even more,” said Dominik Jungmann, Fleet and Logistics Manager, Algeco.
Konecranes Ecolifting™ Retrofits
A large share of ports’ operational emissions come from existing equipment fleets. Konecranes addresses this with Ecolifting Retrofits, which provide solutions that helps customers to significantly reduce the carbon footprint of their existing equipment. This approach can be applied across the Konecranes portfolio.
To assess the true climate impact of performing these power conversions, an independently verified Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) study showed that Konecranes Ecolifting Retrofits for RTGs help ports to reduce equipment operational CO2 emissions up to 81% without compromising on performance. The LCA considered the emissions of materials, manufacturing, the use phase, maintenance and end-of-life practices.
Konecranes works for a decarbonized and circular world for customers and society. We are helping to build the means to get there for our customers, step by step. At Konecranes Port Solutions we call this Ecolifting™: a systematic movement towards lower CO2 per container move. Today, all Konecranes factories globally use renewable electricity and we are committed to cutting our global emissions in half by 2030.
