Konecranes secures first European full battery RTG order for Muuga terminal electrification

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HHLA TK Estonia AS has ordered two battery powered Rubber Tired Gantry cranes from Konecranes, marking the first deployment in Europe of RTGs capable of running full operational shifts on battery power. The order, booked in the fourth quarter of 2025, is scheduled for delivery in the fourth quarter of 2026.

The cranes will operate at the Port of Muuga, where they will handle container movements across six lanes in a one over five stacking configuration. Each unit is equipped with a 296 kilowatt hour battery system designed to support up to eight hours of independent operation without external power.

The move signals a shift in how terminals are approaching electrification. Rather than relying on hybrid or partially electrified systems, operators are now testing whether full battery powered yard equipment can sustain daily operations without compromise.

Energy for the cranes will be supplied through an integrated 25 meter busbar charging system. This setup allows the RTGs to recharge efficiently between operations while maintaining full electric functionality throughout their shifts.

For terminal operators, the benefits extend beyond emissions. Removing diesel engines eliminates tailpipe emissions during crane activity and reduces noise levels in the yard. Anyone who has spent time near active RTGs knows how significant that change can be.

This investment forms part of HHLA Group’s broader sustainability strategy, which focuses on gradually replacing diesel powered equipment with electric alternatives across its terminal network.

The Port of Muuga is already familiar with Konecranes equipment. The terminal currently operates two RTGs, three ship to shore cranes, and one rail mounted gantry crane from the same manufacturer, alongside other brands.

According to Tanel Ringo, Technology and Infrastructure Manager at HHLA TK Estonia AS, the decision to invest in battery RTGs builds on that experience.

“Our experience with the existing Konecranes equipment at Muuga has been positive. The equipment is reliable and we receive very good support. Replacing older RTGs with these Europe first battery electric units allows us to modernize the yard while maintaining operational consistency.”

Ringo also pointed to regional advantages, noting that engineering and production in a similar northern climate supports equipment performance under local operating conditions.

For Konecranes, the order represents more than a single sale. It reflects a broader transition in terminal technology, where battery systems are moving from pilot projects to core operational assets.

Philipp Reiter, Regional Sales Manager EMEA at Konecranes, highlighted the importance of close collaboration with HHLA TK Estonia.

“This order demonstrates how battery technology is shifting from being a mitigation solution to providing power for full scale operational use in container terminals. Delivering our first 296 kilowatt hour battery RTGs with busbar charging shows how electrification can be both practical and scalable.”

The partnership also benefits from proximity, with both companies operating across the Gulf of Finland, enabling faster development cycles and real world testing.

The contract aligns with Konecranes’ Ecolifting roadmap, which outlines a phased approach toward zero tailpipe emissions. The strategy includes renewable diesel, hybrid systems, full electrification, and emerging solutions such as hydrogen.

In practical terms, terminals are not choosing a single path. Instead, they are layering technologies based on operational needs and infrastructure constraints. The Muuga deployment suggests that full battery RTGs are now a viable option for high intensity container handling environments.

As terminals face increasing pressure to reduce emissions while maintaining throughput, the question is no longer whether electrification will happen, but how quickly it can scale across different types of cargo operations.