Stena Line Ports Ventspils JSC has rolled out its first electric mobile harbor crane, marking a step forward in the port’s push for cleaner, more energy-efficient operations. The newly delivered Konecranes Gottwald ESP.7 arrived earlier this year and is now in active duty at the Port of Ventspils on Latvia’s west coast.
The port plays a vital role in Baltic trade, serving as a strategic link between Nordic countries and Central Europe. With global pressure mounting on ports to reduce emissions and modernize aging equipment, Ventspils is making clear moves to align with these shifting industry standards.
The ESP.7 crane stands out for its hybrid-electric drive. When plugged into the harbor’s electric grid, it operates emission-free. But it also carries an onboard diesel generator backed by ultracapacitors to ensure flexibility during outages or in areas lacking shore power. This setup slashes fuel usage and lowers emissions compared to conventional diesel-powered cranes, reducing not just the port’s environmental footprint but also its operational costs.
Mãrtiņš Ziemanis, Managing Director of Stena Line Ports Ventspils, said the decision was driven by a mix of efficiency and sustainability goals. “We were convinced by the performance and efficiency of the Konecranes hybrid drive system. The new crane has the flexibility we need to serve a wide variety of vessels, while also aligning with our goals for sustainable port operations,” he said.
With a lifting capacity of up to 125 tonnes, the crane will handle a broad mix of cargo, from containers to heavy project freight. It replaces a Gottwald crane that has been in service since 1988—one of the last relics from the port’s previous operators.
Hans-Jürgen Schneider, Regional Sales Manager at Konecranes Port Solutions, noted the crane’s role in global decarbonization efforts. “This delivery demonstrates how our hybrid drive and
electrification technologies meet the modernization needs of ports around the world,” he said.
The contract fits into Konecranes’ wider Ecolifting strategy, which focuses on maximizing the environmental benefits of its equipment portfolio. Through a combination of electrification, hybridization, and smart design, the company aims to help customers reduce their carbon footprint while improving productivity.
