The crane comes equipped with an external power supply. That means it can be plugged into the electric mains at the terminal, instead of using an onboard diesel generator.

Konecranes says that using electricity lowers operating costs because it can often be a more cost-effective source of energy when compared with diesel, while also reducing noise and exhaust emissions.

When unplugged, the crane uses a hybrid drive, consisting of an EU Stage V diesel engine paired with ultracapacitors that are refilled by both lowering and braking energy.

The Generation 6 crane will increase capacity and improve flexibility at the terminal. It can handle containers, general cargo and heavy project cargo.

The order was booked in July 2022 and the crane will be delivered in the first quarter of 2023.

TDG is a container and multipurpose terminal operated by Tarros Group, a port operator with a network of depots and terminals across the Mediterranean region.

“We are excited to utilise the latest eco-efficient mobile harbour crane technology to support our terminal enlargement project in La Spezia,” said Andrea Natale, terminal manager at TDG. “We were convinced by the combination of productivity, flexibility and eco-efficiency that the Generation 6 offers.”

The crane is TDG’s first Generation 6 mobile harbor crane. The decision to purchase one was supported by Konecranes’ MHC Product Advisor, a virtual tool that helps operators find the right mobile harbor crane.

The crane will have smart features such as automatic lubrication to reduce maintenance work, an emergency ladder on the tower wall for added safety, and digital services that streamline operation in line with Italy’s National Industry 4.0 Plan, a state strategy that encourages industrial innovation.

“This order underlines the strengths of the Generation 6 crane, with its high productivity, reliability and eco-efficiency, and we are proud to support TDG in its terminal expansion,” said Gino Gherri, regional sales manager, Port Solutions, Konecranes.

The order is part of Ecolifting, Konecranes’ mission to decrease its customers’ carbon footprints through, for example, eco-optimising diesel drives, hybridisation and fully electrified fleets.