Life Cycle Assessment data shows how Konecranes’ Ecolifting Retrofits help ports to reduce carbon dioxide emissions without compromising on performance. We look at the example of retrofits for Konecranes Rubber-Tired Gantry Cranes (RTGs).
Ports all over the world face a dual challenge. On the one hand, global freight demand is expected to roughly double by 2050. [1] Ports need to be able to handle this growth. On the other hand, ports are under pressure to be more eco-efficient. The shipping sector accounts for some 3% of all global emissions.
“Considering the growth in freight demand and the fact that other sectors are actively cutting their CO2 emissions, shipping could account for 10% of all global emissions by 2025 if left unchecked,” explains Sini Syvänen, Product Manager of Ecolifting & Power Option Retrofits at Konecranes.
In line with the Paris Agreement’s climate targets, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) has set the goal of reducing the global shipping industry’s emissions by at least 40% by 2030.
“The data shows that the shipping industry is unfortunately not yet on track to meet this commitment. The International Energy Agency has even stated that new and legally binding measures would be required to ensure implementation,” says Syvänen.
“This is clearly now a very critical topic. Environmental sustainability has become a key competitive factor for ports,” she adds.
The solution: Konecranes Ecolifting™ Retrofits
A large share of ports’ operational emissions come from existing equipment fleets. For example, the operation of a conventional diesel-powered Konecranes Rubber-Tired Gantry Crane (RTG) produces a baseline of 284 tonnes of CO2 equivalent emissions annually.
This is the challenge that Konecranes is addressing with its Ecolifting Retrofits, which introduce technology that helps customers to significantly cut the emissions of existing equipment. Ecolifting is Konecranes’ approach that ensures sustainable product design and less CO2 per move, which can be applied across the Konecranes port equipment portfolio.
Konecranes’ Ecolifting™ Retrofits for RTGs, for example, offer several options for operators to choose between:
- Fuel Saver Retrofit: Improves the fuel efficiency of fixed-speed diesel generator sets. Reduces annual emissions by up to 38%. (Baseline of 284 tonnes of annual CO2 equivalent emissions reduced to 177 tonnes)
- Hybrid Retrofit: Adds a battery as the RTG’s primary power source, with a small diesel generator set for recharging. Reduces annual emissions by an additional 37% compared to the Fuel Saver Retrofit. (Reduction to 111 tonnes of annual CO2 equivalent emissions)
- E-RTG Retrofits: Busbar or Cable Reel Retrofits fully electrify RTGs at terminals where this is possible. These eRTG retrofits reduce annual emissions by an additional 81%. (Reductions to 33 tonnes of annual CO2 equivalent emissions)
Annual use and maintenance emissions of RTG retrofits
Life Cycle Assessment quantifies the impact
To assess the true climate impact of performing these power conversions, Konecranes Ecolifting™ Retrofits for RTGs were the focus of an independently verified Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) study. The LCA considered the emissions of materials, manufacturing, the use phase, maintenance and end-of-life practices.
The results show significant lifetime CO2 emission reductions.
For example, if a variable speed diesel RTG is electrified with busbar technology in its 11th year of operation – and then continues to operate for another 14 years – the lifecycle emission-reduction impact will be 42%. This is equivalent to a reduction of 2,000 tonnes of CO2 equivalent emissions.
“As we can see from the data, reductions in annual emissions accumulate over the remaining life of the RTG,” says Syvänen. “Retrofits are a pragmatic way to reduce your port's emissions and operational costs, without compromising on the asset’s performance.”
“Our team is ready to provide you with an assessment of the savings and environmental benefits specific to your port’s operations,” she says.
Total life cycle climate impact retrofits
Download the Life Cycle Assessment results to see the hard data behind successful RTG retrofits.
[1] IT Transport Outlook 2023
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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