The Saguenay Port Authority in Quebec has ordered a Konecranes Gottwald ESP.6B Mobile Harbour Crane for a new cargo handling system that is currently under development.
The move initiates a new partnership between Saguenay Port Authority and Konecranes.
The ESP.6B crane, primarily powered by an external source, will significantly reduce emissions compared to diesel alternatives.
It features an electric cable reel at the boom top, enabling the operation of an electric hook rotator and spreaders.
With a maximum lifting capacity of 125 tonnes, it is equipped to handle bulk materials, containers, and general cargo efficiently.
Saguenay Port Authority CEO Carl Laberge said: “By enabling the use of electricity, the Konecranes equipment will be instrumental in helping us to reduce our carbon footprint.
“With the extra handling features we’ve chosen, the crane is a true asset for the planned growth of the port and the world-class industrial port zone, one of the largest In North America.”
Konecranes received the order for the mobile harbour crane in the first quarter of this year, and the delivery is expected in the third quarter of the same year.
The initiative is part of Konecranes’ Ecolifting vision, which aims to enhance the environmental impact of its products while helping customers reduce their carbon footprints.
Konecranes Port Solutions senior sales manager Andreas Moeller said: “Konecranes’ industry-leading electric drive concept played a decisive role in securing this agreement.
“We are very happy to have the Saguenay Port Authority on board as we help more and more customers to reduce emissions while maintaining high operational performance.”
In a separate development, Socep Romania has retrofitted a Konecranes drive to a non-Konecranes ship-to-shore (STS) crane at its Constanta terminal.
The upgrade, a part of the Konecranes Any Brand series, aims to improve crane performance and extend its operational life.
Konecranes port services director Neil Griffiths said: At only a fraction of the price of a new crane, Socep now have the latest drive systems from Konecranes on their non-Konecranes STS.
“This retrofit is an important step in their plans for sustainable profitability and growth as they maximize the lifetime of their existing resources. They are a new customer for Konecranes and we look forward to a long and mutually beneficial partnership.”
The retrofit included replacing AC drives and installing new onboard HMIs, enhancing maintenance and operational efficiency.
It is expected to add ten to fifteen years to the crane’s working life, with improved performance and guaranteed technical support.
Konecranes’ Any Brand retrofits offer turnkey solutions with customisable features, allowing ports to enhance the reliability and performance of their equipment regardless of the make.
Socep maintenance project manager Aura Dinu said: “We are the leading port terminal operator in the region, so our customers expect a highly productive, cost-efficient and sustainable operation.
“That’s why we chose Konecranes to inspect our port cranes, and why we chose them again for this retrofit. We can continue to use a familiar crane, but its handling is smoother, maintenance is easier, and our commitment to sustainability is clear.”
