Florida port orders two Konecranes Gottwald Generation 6 MHCs

(Posted on 28/05/24)

SeaPort Manatee will bring extra capacity to general cargo and container handling at their operations in Tampa Bay, Florida with two Konecranes Gottwald ESP.7 Mobile Harbor Cranes. After they ordered the first crane in Q1 2024, the port quickly decided to take a second optional crane at the beginning of Q2 to keep up with fast-growing demand. Both cranes will be delivered by the end of the year.

SeaPort Manatee, the closest U.S. deepwater seaport to the expanded Panama Canal, is investing in new equipment to manage anticipated strong growth in container and general cargo traffic. With four Konecranes mobile harbour cranes already on site, the port ordered two more that will offer the ability to run both with electricity from the harbour main, meaning a significant reduction in emissions and a higher efficiency.

“These two new Konecranes Gottwald mobile harbor cranes will not only help SeaPort Manatee accommodate its growing container business, but their electric drive design will also contribute to the port’s strong commitment to reducing emissions. Both the Florida Department of Transportation and the port’s loyal customers appreciate this dedication to sustainability and the entire community will benefit,” said Carlos Buqueras, SeaPort Manatee’s executive director.

“We’ve been proud to work with SeaPort Manatee over the last two decades as they’ve cemented a key role in the economy of Florida. This order is a good example of the interest our Generation 6 cranes are developing across the market with their high performance, outstanding reliability and impressive eco-efficiency,” says Alan Garcia, Sales Director, Port Solutions, Konecranes.

The order is for two Konecranes Gottwald ESP.7 mobile harbor cranes, with a working radius of up to 51 m and a maximum capacity of 125 t to serve container ships up to post-Panamax class. Strong lifting capacity curves, improved handling rates and a high classification ensure a long service life. When connected to the harbor mains by cable reel, it eliminates local exhaust emissions and collects lowering and braking energy in ultracapacitors. For unplugged operation, the crane is powered by a smart hybrid drive combining a fuel-optimized diesel generator with the ultracapacitors that provide additional power for heavy lifts.