A new mobile harbor crane has arrived at Euroports’ Terminal 850 in Ghent, marking a key milestone in the company’s plan to increase its bulk-handling capacity at North Sea Port.
The Generation 6 Konecranes Gottwald ESP.7B Mobile Harbor Crane made the journey from Konecranes’ Antwerp facility to the Sifferdok terminal, delivered via pontoon in the early morning hours of April 10.
With a 51-metre outreach and a high-performance grab system, the crane is engineered to handle bulk carriers up to Panamax class. The goal is clear: boost operational speed, throughput, and reliability. For Euroports, this is less about replacing aging equipment and more about preparing for the uptick in vessel size and volume expected once the new sea lock in Terneuzen becomes operational.
Strategic Fit for North Sea Port
The deployment of this crane is more than just a hardware upgrade—it’s tied directly to broader infrastructure and market shifts at North Sea Port. The increased capacity is expected to benefit key commodities like agribulk and fertilizers, giving clients more consistency in cargo flow, especially during high-demand periods.
This move aligns with Euroports‘ commitment to operational efficiency and customer-centric service. As vessel sizes increase, the need for equipment that can handle higher volumes without compromising speed becomes critical. The ESP.7B’s capabilities directly respond to that need.
The crane’s design also supports eco-efficiency, a growing priority in European port operations. It’s equipped with hybrid drive technology and lower fuel consumption rates, which helps Euroports meet environmental standards without sacrificing performance.
Ghent’s Evolving Role in Bulk Logistics
The Ghent terminal has been steadily expanding its role within the Euroports network, and this new crane supports that trajectory. As part of the multimodal North Sea Port, Ghent offers strategic access to inland waterways, road, and rail, making it an attractive hub for bulk cargo flows throughout Europe.
According to port insiders, the addition of the new crane is timed not just with infrastructure developments like the Terneuzen lock, but also with market signals suggesting increasing bulk demand in the region. For agribulk and fertilizer sectors especially, any added capacity can reduce bottlenecks and improve supply chain continuity.
The team behind the project, including engineering and logistics personnel, is now focused on safety checks and performance testing. Once cleared, the crane will be operational—adding a crucial piece to the terminal’s cargo-handling arsenal.
