Konecranes’ all-electric crane technology is helping Katoen Natie advance the electrification of its port operations, with two Konecranes Gottwald ESP.8 mobile harbour cranes officially inaugurated at Quay 1227 in Antwerp on 15 October 2026. The investment demonstrates how electric equipment can support demanding cargo-handling operations while eliminating local tailpipe emissions.
The two cranes, each with a maximum lifting capacity of 150 tonnes, form part of a six-crane investment for Katoen Natie’s Antwerp operations. The fleet also includes four ESP.9 cranes, each with a maximum lifting capacity of 200 tonnes, for use across the company’s three deep-sea multipurpose terminals. Two ESP.9 cranes are scheduled for delivery to Quay 740 by the end of October 2026, with the remaining two due at Quay 347 by the end of the year.
ELECTRIFICATION WITH OPERATIONAL FLEXIBILITY
At the heart of each crane is a Konecranes all-electric drive system combining an external electricity supply with rechargeable batteries. This enables cargo handling with zero local tailpipe emissions, while battery power allows the cranes to move independently between operating positions without relying on a diesel engine.
For terminal operators, this combines electric lifting technology with the mobility needed to work across different areas of a terminal, demonstrating how large mobile harbour cranes can be electrified while retaining operational flexibility. Konecranes’ technology also supports heavy-lift capability. All six cranes feature Tandem-lift Assistant, with two ESP.9 cranes able to work together with a combined maximum lifting capacity of 400 tonnes.
CONNECTING ELECTRIC EQUIPMENT WITH LONG-TERM SUPPORT
Reliable performance remains central to the transition. All six cranes are equipped with Konecranes TRUCONNECT remote condition monitoring, backed by a long-term service agreement, predictive servicing through Konecranes Service Frontline in Belgium and dedicated spare-parts packages to support maintenance. The project provides a practical example of how Konecranes’ electric drive technology and lifecycle support can work together to help port operators move towards lower-emission cargo handling.
At Paterson Simons, we are proud to work with Konecranes to support ports and terminals across West and Central Africa. As electrification creates new opportunities for cargo handling, our team can help customers explore equipment options suited to their operations, alongside the parts, technical expertise and service support needed throughout the equipment’s working life. Contact our team to discuss how Konecranes technology could support the next stage of your port’s development!
Image: Konecranes