SeaPort Manatee is gearing up for a significant capacity expansion with the order of two Konecranes Gottwald ESP.7 Mobile Harbor Cranes. Located in Tampa Bay, Florida, this busy port aims to enhance its container and general cargo handling capabilities to meet the surging demand. The first crane was ordered in Q1 2024, and the port quickly opted for a second crane at the beginning of Q2, ensuring both will be operational by the year’s end.
Why is this important? SeaPort Manatee is the closest U.S. deepwater seaport to the expanded Panama Canal, making it a critical hub for international trade. With four Konecranes mobile harbor cranes already on site, the addition of two more cranes underscores the port’s proactive approach to handling expected growth in traffic. These cranes are designed to run on electricity from the harbor main, significantly reducing emissions and enhancing efficiency.
Carlos Buqueras, SeaPort Manatee’s executive director, emphasized the dual benefits of the new cranes. “These two new Konecranes Gottwald mobile harbor cranes will not only help SeaPort Manatee accommodate its growing container business, but their electric drive design will also contribute to the port’s strong commitment to reducing emissions. Both the Florida Department of Transportation and the port’s loyal customers appreciate this dedication to sustainability and the entire community will benefit.”
Alan Garcia, Sales Director, Port Solutions at Konecranes, highlighted the long-standing relationship with SeaPort Manatee. “We’ve been proud to work with SeaPort Manatee over the last two decades as they’ve cemented a key role in the economy of Florida. This order is a good example of the interest our Generation 6 cranes are developing across the market with their high performance, outstanding reliability, and impressive eco-efficiency.”
This initiative is part of Konecranes’ Ecolifting™ vision, which aims to increase the beneficial environmental impact of their products while reducing customers’ carbon footprints. From optimizing diesel drives to adopting hybrid and fully electrified fleets, Konecranes is committed to doing more with less, promoting eco-efficiency, and supporting the circular economy.
The move not only strengthens SeaPort Manatee’s operational capacity but also aligns with global trends towards sustainability and environmental responsibility. The new cranes will play a pivotal role in the port’s operations, ensuring it remains a vital economic engine for Florida while also contributing to broader environmental goals.
