Fratelli Fazio Group expands port capability with 200-tonne mobile harbor crane from Konecranes
Fratelli Fazio Group, a longstanding port operator at Sicily’s Port of Augusta, has placed a strategic order for a Konecranes Gottwald ESP.9 Mobile Harbor Crane — marking the first Generation 6 crane of its type to be delivered in Italy. Scheduled to arrive in Q3 2025, this crane boasts a lifting capacity of 200 tonnes, the highest in Konecranes’ mobile harbor crane line, and signals a significant expansion in the operator’s capacity to manage increasingly complex cargo demands.
A new heavyweight for Sicily’s busiest port
Nestled along Sicily’s east coast, the Port of Augusta is no stranger to large-scale cargo operations. With its deep-water access and location within the EU’s TEN-T core network, it plays a critical role in connecting southern Europe to the broader Mediterranean and beyond.
By adding the Generation 6 ESP.9 crane, Fratelli Fazio is strengthening its ability to handle not only general and breakbulk cargo, but also high-value project freight such as wind turbine components and oversized industrial units. This new equipment replaces and supplements a fleet of older-generation Konecranes mobile harbor cranes that the company has relied on for years.
The procurement of this latest crane aligns with Italy’s push for more sustainable and digitalized port infrastructure. “This will be our first Generation 6 Konecranes Gottwald mobile harbor crane. It’s a very important addition to our existing fleet,” said Gabriele Fazio, Procurement Manager at Fratelli Fazio Group. “The investment strengthens our long-standing relationship with Konecranes, giving us the capability to handle even the most challenging cargo with confidence.”
Power-flexible and future-proof
Electrification is the buzzword across the logistics industry, and this crane is no exception. While the Port of Augusta is still developing its shore power capabilities, the ESP.9 crane is designed to plug in to external electric power once the infrastructure is ready. Until then, it’s equipped with two onboard diesel generator sets that provide full off-grid operation and operational redundancy — offering flexibility without sacrificing reliability.
What’s under the hood isn’t just muscle — it’s also brains. The crane comes with Konecranes TRUCONNECT®, a digital monitoring system that delivers real-time performance data and maintenance insights. That means fewer surprises, better planning, and reduced downtime — a trifecta every port manager wants.
Strategic investment backed by sustainability incentives
One major reason for choosing the ESP.9 now? Italy’s regulatory environment is increasingly geared toward green technology and digital efficiency. The crane’s compliance with national sustainability benchmarks means Fratelli Fazio may benefit from government incentives designed to reward eco-conscious investments.
Gino Gherri, Regional Sales Manager for Konecranes Port Solutions, commented, “We’re very happy that the Fratelli Fazio Group has decided to go ahead with this order, which builds on our long and collaborative relationship with the Augusta terminal. The deal also further confirms the strength of Konecranes across the broader Mediterranean region.”
Konecranes’ broader strategy — known as Ecolifting — aims to increase the environmental benefits of its products and services while helping customers cut emissions and improve safety. From diesel optimization to full electrification, the company continues to steer port equipment toward a more sustainable future without losing sight of performance.
Strengthening Mediterranean logistics
This move underscores both Fratelli Fazio’s and Konecranes’ ambitions in a region where maritime cargo volumes continue to grow. For a terminal like Augusta, located at a strategic logistics crossroads, the addition of a crane with both high lift and intelligent control systems is more than just an upgrade — it’s a clear signal that the port is preparing to meet the evolving needs of global logistics head-on.
