Ghent boosts bulk handling with a Gen 6 Konecranes Gottwald MHC

(Posted on 29/11/24)

Euroports Group is set to strengthen its bulk handling capacity at North Sea Port (Ghent) with the addition of a state-of-the-art Generation 6 Konecranes Gottwald ESP.7B Mobile Harbor Crane. This significant investment underscores Euroports' commitment to efficient, customer-focused operations and positions the company to handle larger vessels anticipated with the recent opening of the 'nieuwe sluis' in Terneuzen. The order was placed in Q3 2024, with the crane expected to be delivered before the end of Q1 2025.

The 3,500-hectare Port of Ghent handles a wide variety of cargo, including bulk, breakbulk, and containers. Euroports operates across multiple locations within North Sea Port, including the All Weather Terminal (AWT), which offers climate-controlled warehousing and covered loading areas to ensure uninterrupted, high-speed operations regardless of weather conditions. The new Generation 6 crane will be stationed at Terminal 850 (Sifferdok), enhancing Euroports’ ability to serve the agribulk and fertiliser markets with increased speed, continuity, and handling capacity.

“Fast working speeds and high handling rhythms are everyday business at Euroports. We’ve had very positive experiences with Konecranes Gottwald mobile harbor cranes within our network of terminals, so adding this Generation 6 crane for bulk handling was a natural choice,” says Karel Leysen, Terminal Manager at Euroports Belgium. “This strategic investment allows us to load and unload larger vessels and increase the overall volume and pace of operations at Sifferdok. By placing this crane at Sifferdok and reallocating resources, we can provide greater efficiency and continuity throughout our Ghent operations, positioning Euroports well for future growth.”

The new crane is equipped with a 4-rope grab system, a 52-tonne grab curve, and a 51-metre reach, enabling it to handle bulk carriers up to Panamax class. Its maximum lifting capacity of 125 tonnes allows it to handle heavy project cargo as well, expanding Euroports’ service capabilities and flexibility. Additionally, the deployment of the new crane will enable Euroports to redistribute existing cranes, relocating one to Terminal 280 (Grootdok) to further boost capacity and continuity in that area.

“Port operators around the world count on Konecranes Gottwald mobile harbor crane technology for high handling rates and reliability. This Generation 6 addition to the existing fleet at Euroports will boost the port’s bulk-handling capacity and improve operational efficiency. We’re very pleased to continue contributing to the port’s development,” says Alexandros Stogianidis, Regional Sales Manager at Konecranes.

A strong focus on customers and commitment to business growth and continuous improvement make Konecranes a material handling industry leader. This is underpinned by investments in digitalization and technology, plus our work to make material flows more efficient with solutions that decarbonize the economy and advance circularity and safety.