Katoen Natie inaugurates two all-electric Gottwald cranes in Antwerp
30-Second Takeaway
Katoen Natie and Konecranes have inaugurated two all-electric Gottwald Mobile Harbor Cranes at Katoen Natie Bulk Terminals, Quay 1227, in Antwerp. The ESP.8 cranes, each rated at 150 tonnes, are the first two units in a six-crane investment for Katoen Natie’s three deep-sea multipurpose terminals. The wider fleet includes four ESP.9 cranes, each with a maximum capacity of 200 tonnes. All six are equipped with Tandem-lift Assistant, enabling coordinated lifts with a combined capacity of up to 400 tonnes. The cranes combine external power with rechargeable batteries, allowing zero local tailpipe emissions during operation and battery-powered travel between working positions.
First two cranes inaugurated at Quay 1227
The two ESP.8 mobile harbor cranes were officially inaugurated at Katoen Natie Bulk Terminals, Quay 1227, on October 15, 2026. Each crane has a maximum lifting capacity of 150 tonnes. The inauguration marks the first commissioning under a six-crane investment made through orders placed in the first and fourth quarters of 2025. The equipment is intended to expand electric cargo-handling operations across Katoen Natie’s three deep-sea multipurpose terminals in Antwerp.
The complete fleet comprises four ESP.9 cranes, each with a maximum capacity of 200 tonnes, and two ESP.8 cranes, rated at 150 tonnes each. All six are equipped with Konecranes’ Tandem-lift Assistant, which coordinates two cranes working together and enables combined lifting capacity of up to 400 tonnes.
Battery power enables travel between working positions
The cranes use an all-electric drive that combines an external power supply with rechargeable batteries. When connected to external power, they operate without local tailpipe emissions. The battery system also allows each crane to travel independently between working positions without a diesel engine.
Vincent Vandecauter, business unit manager for port operations at Katoen Natie, said:
“By combining high performance and flexibility with zero local tailpipe emissions, we are taking a concrete step toward the next generation of cargo handling.”
Part of Katoen Natie’s wider energy transition
The six-crane investment forms part of Katoen Natie’s broader energy transition programme. The company’s initiatives include renewable power generation, large-scale battery storage and upgrades to electrical infrastructure across its sites.
To support the cranes’ availability, all six are equipped with TRUCONNECT remote condition monitoring. They are also covered by a long-term service agreement that includes predictive maintenance and dedicated spare-parts packages.
Tomas Myntti, president of Konecranes Port Solutions, said:
“It shows that large-scale electrification of mobile harbor crane operations is not a distant ambition, but a practical reality today.”
About Katoen Natie
Founded in 1854, Katoen Natie is a global logistics and engineering solutions provider. Its operations include port terminals, logistics terminals and on-site terminals, alongside services supporting the handling and movement of goods.
View website: https://www.katoennatie.com/
About Konecranes
Konecranes provides lifting equipment and services through business areas that include Port Solutions. Its port equipment range includes Gottwald Mobile Harbor Cranes, which are designed for cargo handling in port and terminal environments.
View website: https://www.konecranes.com/
Frequently Asked Questions
How many cranes has Katoen Natie ordered?
Katoen Natie has ordered six all-electric Konecranes Gottwald Mobile Harbor Cranes: four ESP.9 units and two ESP.8 units.
What is the capacity of the two inaugurated ESP.8 cranes?
Each ESP.8 has a maximum lifting capacity of 150 tonnes.
What is the maximum tandem lifting capacity?
The six cranes are equipped with Tandem-lift Assistant, allowing two cranes to work together with a combined maximum lifting capacity of up to 400 tonnes.
How do the cranes travel without a diesel engine?
Their rechargeable batteries power travel between working positions. During cargo-handling operations, the cranes can also use an external electrical power supply.
