In the third quarter of 2024, Konecranes secured a significant order from CMA CGM Kaohsiung Terminal Co. Limited for five hybrid Rubber-Tired Gantry (RTG) cranes. These cutting-edge cranes will be delivered to Taiwan’s busiest port by mid-2025, marking the introduction of the most advanced container handling technology the country has ever seen.
CMA CGM has long been a customer of Konecranes, employing its equipment worldwide. According to Jerry Fann, Sales Director of Port Solutions at Konecranes, this order underscores the strong partnership between the two companies. “This new order will ensure a long and productive future for their container handling operations in Taiwan, and it underlines the strength of our relationship and their confidence in our technology,” he stated.
The hybrid RTGs set themselves apart by combining battery power with a small diesel generator, a feature that drastically reduces fuel consumption and emissions. The cranes use a battery for primary operations and recharge it through regenerative braking energy, ensuring longer periods of electric operation. This hybrid approach not only lowers operating costs but also contributes to a cleaner, more sustainable container handling process.
Each crane is equipped with several “Smart Features” designed to enhance operational efficiency and reduce the strain on crane operators. Auto-Steering technology helps operators keep the crane on a straight path by creating virtual rails. Auto-Positioning ensures the spreader is accurately placed over the right container slot, while Stack Collision Prevention uses laser scanners to monitor containers, automatically slowing down the crane if it approaches a stack too closely. Finally, the Auto-TOS (Terminal Operating System) Reporting feature tracks each crane’s movements, mapping the container positions and feeding data directly into the terminal’s operating system.
This latest order aligns with Konecranes’ Ecolifting™ initiative, which aims to enhance environmental impact by offering more sustainable solutions. Through innovations like hybrid RTGs, Konecranes continues to reduce its customers’ carbon footprints, whether by optimizing diesel drives, hybridizing equipment, or fully electrifying entire fleets.
With a strong focus on digitalization and continuous improvement, Konecranes has solidified its position as a leader in the material handling industry. By investing in technology that prioritizes efficiency, safety, and sustainability, Konecranes is making strides toward decarbonizing operations while enhancing circularity.
