Konecranes unveiled two major innovations at the TOC Europe 2025 exhibition in Rotterdam: the E-Hybrid Rubber-Tired Gantry (RTG) crane and the electric empty container handler, expanding its global electric portfolio and reinforcing its commitment to full electrification by 2026.
The Konecranes E-Hybrid RTG takes hybridization beyond the typical diesel-battery concept by combining electric-battery operation with busbar or cable reel supply. This breakthrough is crucial for container terminals that face blackout risks, offering a reliable alternative with significant energy efficiency and infrastructure cost savings.
“Blackouts are a clear operational risk for a number of our terminal customers,” says Thomas Gylling, Director of Marketing & Customer Experience at Konecranes Port Solutions. “The Konecranes E-Hybrid RTG solves that problem and is a game-changer for all customers on the road to full electrification and emissions reduction.”
Unlike traditional RTGs that require up to 400 kW of continuous power, the E-Hybrid RTG only needs 60 kW to charge its batteries, enabling operators to reduce CAPEX when building or upgrading container yard infrastructure. The crane can be charged during normal operations using either cable reel or busbar systems. All key components, including Konecranes’ proprietary battery technology, are field-proven, with over 200 hybrid RTGs in operation globally.
The first E-Hybrid RTG order has already been placed by a container terminal in Brazil, and the product is now available for terminals worldwide.
Electric Empty Container Handler Now in Europe and North America
Following successful deployments across Asia, MEA, and Latin America, the electric empty container handler (9–10t) is now launching in Europe and North America. Customers have praised its fast acceleration, quick lifting, low noise and vibration, rapid charging, and zero tailpipe emissions.
This container handler continues Konecranes’ rollout of fully electric lift trucks, following the earlier release of 10–18t and 18–25t electric forklifts.
“The electric empty container handler is now available in Europe and North America,” adds Gylling. “It delivers the compact, efficient performance expected of Konecranes equipment.”
A Step Toward Full Electrification: Ecolifting Vision
The 2025 launches are part of Konecranes’ Ecolifting strategy, aimed at expanding its environmental handprint—the positive ecological impact of its technologies—while minimizing customers’ carbon footprints. From eco-optimized diesel engines to fully electric fleets, Konecranes is committed to sustainable, circular, and safe material handling.
With over 16,700 professionals across 50+ countries, Konecranes continues to lead the global material handling sector. In 2024, the company recorded EUR 4.2 billion in sales, with shares listed on Nasdaq Helsinki (KCR).
