Konecranes electric drives and strong local presence support the eco-efficient growth of South America’s ports and terminals
Konecranes is showing its electrified lift trucks, mobile harbor cranes and horizontal transport solutions at Intermodal South America 2026 in São Paulo, Brazil from 14–16 April. Ports and terminals on the continent are turning to Konecranes as they transition to electrified and automated operations, supported by a comprehensive network of local distributors and service partners.
A Brazilian customer recently became the first operator in South America to adopt Konecranes electric empty container handlers. Two units of the Konecranes E-ACE 7/8 ECC 90 will support daily stacking and repositioning at the Port of Santos in Brazil. This follows earlier electrification developments in Brazil supported by Konecranes, including the adoption of electric RTGs at container terminals.
“Introducing the electric empty container handlers into a major depot operation shows how Konecranes’ electric solutions can meet the performance demands of day-to-day container handling. This step reflects a broader shift in South America as operators look for ways to boost efficiency, reduce emissions and align with the expectations of global supply chains,” says Andres Ramirez, Regional Sales Development Manager, Lift Trucks, Konecranes.
The full Konecranes portfolio of electric lift trucks is available in South America. A recent addition is the Konecranes electric reach stacker, which delivers up to 16 hours of operation on a single charge. Downtime is minimized through a fast-charging capability that allows the batteries to be fully recharged in as little as 1–3 hours. The new lift trucks combine high performance with strong safety and ergonomic standards, ensuring a comfortable and efficient operator environment. They are also equipped with TRUCONNECT® Remote Monitoring, providing real‑time insights to support preventive maintenance and maximize equipment uptime.
On the quay side, the newly launched Konecranes Gottwald ESP.4 Mobile Harbor Crane extends the Generation 6 portfolio and supports the diverse operational requirements of South America’s ports and terminals. The newest mobile harbor crane family member is the smallest in size — but not in capability – providing a high level of multi-purpose handling across container, bulk material and general/project cargo for smaller ports in particular. This new crane offers the best from the Generation 6, with the modular drive enabling fully electric operation while allowing hybrid and diesel configurations where required.
Electric drive technology provides a common foundation across the Konecranes portfolio, supporting consistent performance and standardized maintenance for different equipment types and environments. Konecranes also offers electrification solutions for horizontal transport and ship-to-shore operations.
Across South America, a strong network of local distributors and service partners provide Konecranes spare parts and technical expertise for specific operating conditions. This presence ensures reliable equipment performance and positions Konecranes to support customers’ long-term fleet development.
“Ports and terminals in South America are at different stages on the electrification journey. Konecranes’ role is to meet their level of ambition today and provide a roadmap for the future. Electric drive technology creates a strong link between our mobile harbor cranes including our new family member – the ESP.4 – and lift trucks, allowing us to work together in guiding customers towards more eco-efficient operations,” says Jörg Müller, Vice President, Mobile Harbor Cranes, Konecranes.
Ecolifting is Konecranes’ comprehensive step-by-step roadmap to zero tailpipe emissions that supports the decarbonization of port operations. Our solutions range from renewable diesel-powered drives, to hybrid and fully-electrified fleets, and emerging options like hydrogen, all designed to meet the needs of each customer today and for the future.
A strong focus on customers and commitment to business growth and continuous improvement make Konecranes a material handling industry leader. This is underpinned by investments in digitalization and technology, plus our work to make material flows more efficient with solutions that support the decarbonization of the economy and advance circularity and safety.
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