Modular options to efficiently power Konecranes Gottwald mobile harbor cranes

Mobile harbor cranes offer operational efficiency and versatility in ports. They are able to travel independently wherever required on the terminal and can handle many types of cargo. These cranes require less permanent infrastructure, easing maintenance. The ability to serve a variety of vessel sizes makes mobile harbor cranes a valuable asset to ports.

In line with our Ecolifting approach, Konecranes is moving swiftly towards offering fully electric variants of all our equipment by 2026 – including our Konecranes Gottwald mobile harbor cranes. At the same time, we understand that the state of grid infrastructure varies from terminal to terminal. As we aim to accommodate all Konecranes customers – no matter where they are in the world – we offer a modular drive concept that enables our mobile harbor cranes to be powered in different ways, supporting energy efficiency and lowering environmental impact:

Option 1: Fuel-optimized on-board hybrid drives

For terminals without existing mains infrastructure, our mobile harbor cranes are available with our fuel-efficient diesel generator sets supplemented optionally by ultracapacitors. Depending on the crane model and what it’s used for, total installed power can be increased simply by adding a diesel generator set or more ultracapacitor banks.
 

Option 2: Eco-efficient external power supply

When harbor mains infrastructure is available, the cranes can be fitted with an external power supply (using transformers and a cable reel to comply with different voltage areas) for fully electric operation. For a full unplugged operation of the cranes, these are additionally equipped with a fuel-optimized on-board diesel generator set.
 

Option 3: Sustainable all-electric drive

When we introduced our latest Generation 6 cranes in 2021, we also launched a new all-electric drive concept for terminals with excellent mains infrastructure. When the cranes are not plugged into the mains, an on-board lithium-ion battery pack provides backup power for relocation and for single crane movements. There is no diesel drive at all.

“It’s very easy to connect Konecranes Gottwald mobile harbor cranes to the harbor mains, as the drive train components are already fully electric. This brings huge ecological and economic benefits,” says Holger Wagner, Sales Manager APAC, Port Solutions, Konecranes.

“Due to our general electric drive concept, the efficiency even increases when shifting from an on-board diesel drive to external power supply. Maintenance costs are also much lower, as there is no need to perform oil exchanges, filter changes or other overhaul tasks,” explains Wagner.

What operations does the battery pack enable?

When unplugged, a Konecranes Gottwald all-electric Generation 6 crane can travel for up to 70 minutes at a maximum speed of 30 meters per minute. After this there is still enough power in the battery to perform one complete propping sequence.

“When it comes to crane movements, a fully charged battery pack enables up to 20 loading or unloading cycles. The speed is reduced by about half – compared to when plugged into a power supply – and only single movements like hoisting or slewing are possible,” says Wagner.

Thanks to Konecranes smart energy management system, the energy generated during braking or lowering movements can be used inside the crane e.g. to charge the battery or for auxiliary consumers like lighting or heating. And in addition, it can be even fed back into the grid – crane owners could receive compensation for this from grid operators.

The freedom of drive. Anytime.

The modular drive concept is a solution that combines economy and resource efficiency. Use the best drive option for your current or future needs: from consumption-optimized onboard drives to the usage of existing energy sources for even greater eco-efficiency.
 

Konecranes works for a decarbonized and circular world for customers and society. We are helping to build the means to get there for our customers, step by step. At Konecranes Port Solutions we call this Ecolifting™: a systematic movement towards lower CO2 per container move. Today, all Konecranes factories globally use renewable electricity and we are committed to cutting our global emissions in half by 2030.

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