Hutchison Ports ECT Rotterdam Orders 12 Additional Huisman Automated Stacking Cranes

Meagan Wood
2 days ago
3 min read

30-Second Takeaway

Huisman has signed a follow-up contract with Hutchison Ports ECT Rotterdam (ECT) for 12 additional Automated Stacking Cranes (ASCs), building on an earlier order of six units. The cranes will support fully automated, 24/7 container handling at ECT’s Delta Terminal in the Port of Rotterdam, strengthening terminal efficiency, reliability, and long-term capacity.

Second ASC Order Strengthens Automation at ECT Rotterdam

Huisman has signed a second contract with Hutchison Ports ECT Rotterdam (ECT) for the delivery of 12 additional Automated Stacking Cranes, following the earlier supply of six units.

Of the initial series, three cranes are already operational, while the remaining three are currently in commissioning and testing and are expected to enter service this month.

The new order further expands ECT’s automated container handling capabilities at its Delta Terminal on the Maasvlakte in the Port of Rotterdam.

Designed for Continuous 24/7 Automated Operation

The Huisman Automated Stacking Cranes are engineered to support a fully automated process for container handling and buffering, enabling reliable round-the-clock operations.

Key performance attributes include:

Advanced positioning systems for high accuracy
A stiff crane structure for stable operation
An optimised reeving system for precise container handling

The ASCs will be fully integrated with the terminal’s Terminal Operating System (TOS), enabling seamless coordination of automated stacking, retrieval, and transport activities.

European Production Strategy Supports Efficiency and Sustainability

Huisman will divide production for the new order across its European facilities:

Welding and pre-assembly will take place in the Czech Republic
Final assembly will be completed at Huisman’s facility in Schiedam, the Netherlands
Commissioning and testing will be carried out at the ECT Delta Terminal

The proximity of Huisman’s Dutch facilities to the Port of Rotterdam offers both logistical efficiencies and sustainability benefits, reducing transport distances and associated emissions.

Strong Partnership Drives Repeat Order

Mike van Wingerden, Business Line Manager Port Equipment at Huisman, said the second contract reflects a strong working relationship between the two companies:

“ECT’s decision to award Huisman a second series of ASCs underscores the strong trust built through our close cooperation over the past year. ECT’s high standards for reliability and performance align seamlessly with our own.”

He added that Huisman looks forward to delivering another series of cranes that fully meet ECT’s operational requirements.

Key Features of the Huisman Automated Stacking Crane

The Automated Stacking Cranes supplied to ECT feature:

Safe Working Load (under spreader): 41 tonnes
Reeving system: Stiff eight-point rope reeving
Stacking height: 1:5 or 1:6
Stack width: Up to 11 containers
Design life: Over 4,000,000 handling cycles
Component life: Over 50,000 running hours

These specifications are designed to support long-term, high-intensity container terminal operations.

About Huisman

Huisman is a global specialist in the design and manufacture of heavy lifting, handling, and transport solutions for the energy, infrastructure, and port sectors. The company is recognized for delivering highly automated and technically advanced equipment tailored to demanding operational environments.

Website: https://www.huismanequipment.com

About Hutchison Ports ECT Rotterdam

Hutchison Ports ECT Rotterdam (ECT) operates deep-sea container terminals at the Port of Rotterdam and is a pioneer in automated terminal operations. The company plays a key role in European container logistics, serving global shipping lines with advanced, high-capacity terminal infrastructure.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Automated Stacking Cranes used for?

Automated Stacking Cranes are used for container stacking, retrieval, and buffering in container terminals, enabling fully automated yard operations.

How many ASCs has Huisman supplied to ECT so far?

Including the new order, Huisman will have supplied 18 Automated Stacking Cranes to Hutchison Ports ECT Rotterdam.

What makes these cranes suitable for 24/7 operation?

Integration with the Terminal Operating System, high positioning accuracy, and robust mechanical design allow continuous automated operation with minimal downtime.