Latvian port receives electric KG MHC for lower-emission operations

(Posted on 15/06/25)

Stena Line Ports Ventspils JSC in Latvia has taken delivery of its first electric Konecranes Gottwald ESP.7 Mobile Harbor Crane. The crane was ordered in mid-2024, arrived at the Port of Ventspils in Q1 2025 and is now in operation.

Located in western Latvia, the Port of Ventspils is a key Baltic hub for trade between the Nordics and Central Europe. As part of its modernisation strategy, the port is investing in energy-efficient equipment to support lower-emission operations.

The electric Konecranes Gottwald ESP.7 Mobile Harbor Crane, which is capable of operating on electricity drawn from harbour mains, is also equipped with an onboard hybrid drive combining a diesel generator and ultracapacitors for situations where electricity is not available. This configuration significantly reduces tailpipe emissions and running costs compared to a conventional diesel drive.

“We were convinced by the performance and efficiency of the Konecranes hybrid drive system. The new crane has the flexibility we need to serve a wide variety of vessels, while also aligning with our goals for sustainable port operations,” says Mãrti?š Ziemanis, Managing Director of Stena Line Ports Ventspils.

With a 125-tonne maximum lifting capacity, the mobile harbour crane will be used to handle general, project, bulk cargo and containers. It replaces a Gottwald crane originally delivered in 1988 and inherited from the previous port operator.

“We’re working hard to support Stena Line Ports Ventspils in making their operations more flexible and eco-efficient. This delivery demonstrates how our hybrid drive and electrification technologies meet the modernization needs of ports around the world,” says Hans-Jürgen Schneider, Regional Sales Manager at Konecranes Port Solutions.

This contract is part of?Ecolifting, Konecranes’ vision to increase its handprint – meaning the beneficial environmental impact that can be achieved with our product and service portfolio – while reducing customers’ carbon footprints. From eco-optimizing diesel drives, to hybridization and fully-electrified fleets, we will continue to do more with less.

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.