Katoen Natie has deployed two all-electric mobile harbour cranes at the Port of Antwerp, with four additional units scheduled for installation across three deep-sea multipurpose terminals. The final fleet will consist of four 200-tonne cranes and two 150-tonne units, offering a combined lifting capacity of 400 tonnes.
The company estimates that the six cranes will replace 500 000 litres of diesel fuel annually. The equipment, manufactured by Konecranes, utilizes a dual-energy system where grid electricity powers heavy lifting tasks, while onboard rechargeable batteries facilitate movement between locations.
This technical configuration eliminates the need for large, heavy batteries while reducing diesel emissions and operational noise. The investment provides flexibility for terminal operators, as the cranes are designed to handle diverse cargo types, including steel, industrial equipment, and containers.
The transition to electric mobile machinery allows port operators to adapt to shifting trade patterns as fossil fuel volumes decline. By investing in versatile electric equipment, terminals can support various cargo flows without requiring specialized infrastructure for each commodity type.
