Hamburg’s Container Terminal Burchardkai (CTB), operated by Hamburger Hafen und Logistik AG (HHLA), has taken a significant step forward in its modernization journey with the arrival of two state-of-the-art container gantry cranes. These impressive pieces of equipment, delivered aboard the heavy-lift vessel Zhen Hua 27 on November 20, 2024, are destined for berths 1 and 2 in the bustling Waltershof port area.
The cranes’ arrival marks a pivotal moment for CTB as it continues to scale up its capabilities to meet the demands of modern container shipping. Measuring a staggering 80 meters in height with an equal boom reach, the cranes can span 26 rows of containers, accommodating the largest vessels currently in operation—those carrying up to 24,000 TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units). This capacity aligns with CTB’s commitment to providing maximum flexibility and efficiency for its customers.
Ingo Witte, CTB’s Managing Director, highlighted the importance of these new additions, describing them as a “decisive milestone” in the terminal’s transformation. Witte emphasized the dual goals of improving operational efficiency and ensuring sustainable practices. The new cranes are expected to play a crucial role in positioning CTB as a future-proof hub for container handling.
Preparation for unloading the cranes is underway at Athabaskakai, where Zhen Hua 27 will remain docked until November 23. Installation at their designated berths is slated for completion by the end of the month, with full commissioning targeted for early 2025.
This isn’t the terminal’s first foray into mega-ship crane operations; since 2019, similar models have been deployed to handle the increasing size of container vessels calling at Hamburg. With plans to add three more cranes of this size by 2026, CTB will boast 18 mega-ship gantry cranes among its 26-strong fleet, ensuring it remains at the forefront of European maritime logistics.
The ongoing upgrade of CTB, Germany’s largest seaport terminal, reflects its critical role in Europe’s supply chain. This massive redevelopment, heralded as the world’s largest brownfield project in the sector, includes expanding automated storage and transport systems. Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) will soon ferry containers between the quay and expanded block storage areas, with three new storage blocks set to come online shortly.
CTB is also doubling down on sustainability, a cornerstone of its modernization effort. The cranes, AGVs, and other equipment will operate on electricity sourced from renewables, while a new 5,000-square-meter maintenance workshop will feature photovoltaic panels. These initiatives are aligned with HHLA’s ambitious goal of achieving climate neutrality by 2040, demonstrating a firm commitment to greener logistics.
The arrival of these cranes symbolizes more than just technical upgrades; it underscores a broader evolution within the shipping industry. With demand for ultra-large container vessel handling on the rise, facilities like CTB are embracing innovation to meet the challenge head-on, ensuring efficiency and sustainability go hand in hand.
