Konecranes Launches Gottwald ESP.4 Mobile Harbor Crane for Multi-Purpose Ports
- Meagan Wood
- 6 days ago
- 3 min read
30-Second Takeaway
Konecranes has launched the Gottwald ESP.4, extending its Generation 6 mobile harbor crane range with a compact yet highly capable model tailored for smaller multi-purpose ports. Offering up to 30 tonnes under spreader, 100 tonnes for project cargo and 850 tonnes per hour bulk throughput, the new crane supports container, general and bulk cargo operations while aligning with Konecranes’ Ecolifting decarbonisation roadmap.
Konecranes Gottwald ESP.4 Mobile Harbor Crane
Konecranes is introducing the Gottwald ESP.4, expanding its Generation 6 mobile harbor crane portfolio with a compact solution aimed at smaller seaside and river ports.
The new crane is designed for terminals handling a growing mix of container, bulk and general or project cargo, where operational flexibility and manoeuvrability are increasingly critical.
According to Jörg Müller, Vice President Mobile Harbor Cranes at Konecranes:
“Many smaller ports are transitioning toward multi-purpose operations and require equipment that combines maneuverability with flexibility.”
He added that the mobile harbor crane concept, originally pioneered by Konecranes, is particularly suited to evolving port environments where infrastructure constraints demand adaptable lifting solutions.
The Gottwald ESP.4 is now available for order.
Performance Across Multiple Cargo Segments
Gottwald ESP.4 Specifications
Despite its compact footprint, the ESP.4 delivers substantial lifting and handling capabilities across cargo types.
Container Handling
Up to 10 container rows outreach
30 tonnes under spreader
Suitable for feeder to standard class vessels
Project Cargo
Lifting capacity of up to 100 tonnes
General Cargo
Up to 63 tonnes at a 24 metre radius
Hoisting speeds of up to 120 metres per minute
Bulk Handling
Motor grab curve of up to 34 tonnes
Throughput of up to 850 tonnes per hour (tph)
These capabilities position the ESP.4 as a high-performance option within its size class, supporting smaller ports seeking to maximise quay productivity without large-scale infrastructure expansion.
Generation 6 Technology and Modular Drive Concept
The ESP.4 builds on more than 70 years of mobile harbor crane development and incorporates the core attributes of the Generation 6 series.
A key feature is its modular drive concept, which supports:
Fully electric operation with external power supply
Battery integration
Optimised diesel generator configurations
This flexibility enables ports to tailor the crane to their energy strategy, whether transitioning toward electrification or operating within hybrid frameworks.
The crane integrates smart digital features to enhance operational efficiency, monitoring and maintenance planning.
It is available in multiple configurations:
Rubber-tired mobile version
Rail-mounted portal configuration
Barge-mounted setup
This versatility supports deployment across fixed quays, rail-based terminals and floating applications.
Supporting Port Decarbonisation
The launch of the ESP.4 aligns with Konecranes’ broader Ecolifting roadmap, which focuses on reducing emissions and advancing port decarbonisation.
The roadmap includes:
Renewable fuel compatibility
Hybrid power systems
Fully electrified crane solutions
Emerging alternative energy technologies
As smaller ports modernise operations to handle diversified cargo flows while addressing sustainability targets, equipment that combines compact design with electrification-ready architecture is becoming increasingly relevant.
Addressing the Multi-Purpose Port Market
Smaller ports worldwide are adapting to:
Diversified cargo mixes
Increasing container volumes
Project cargo linked to infrastructure and energy developments
Environmental compliance requirements
The Gottwald ESP.4 mobile harbor crane is positioned to address these trends by offering container reach, heavy-lift capability and bulk throughput within a compact operational footprint.
By extending its Generation 6 range downward into the compact segment, Konecranes strengthens its offering for ports seeking productivity gains without large-scale capital infrastructure investments.
About Konecranes
Konecranes is a global leader in material handling solutions, supplying lifting equipment and services to a broad range of industries including ports, terminals and heavy industrial sectors. The Gottwald mobile harbor crane range has been in development for more than seven decades and remains a cornerstone of flexible port handling solutions.
Website: https://www.konecranes.com
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Gottwald ESP.4?
The Gottwald ESP.4 is a new Generation 6 mobile harbor crane introduced by Konecranes for smaller multi-purpose ports.
What is the maximum container lifting capacity?
The crane can handle up to 30 tonnes under spreader and reach up to 10 container rows.
What is its project cargo lifting capacity?
The ESP.4 can lift up to 100 tonnes for project cargo applications.
What bulk throughput can it achieve?
The crane delivers up to 850 tonnes per hour in bulk handling operations.
How does the ESP.4 support decarbonisation?
It features a modular drive concept supporting fully electric, battery-assisted and optimised diesel configurations, aligning with Konecranes’ Ecolifting roadmap.
