The Port of San Diego has purchased two all-electric Konecranes Gottwald Generation 6 mobile harbor cranes to replace the currently in-service diesel-powered crane situated at the Tenth Avenue Marine Terminal (TAMT).
These will be the first all-electric cranes to be used in North America, supporting the port’s Maritime Clean Air Strategy and its Health Equity for All vision, which seeks to increase productivity and cargo business opportunities at TAMT.
The Board of Port Commissioners authorized a purchase agreement with German company Konecranes back in January 2022, and the cranes – which cost approximately US$14m – are scheduled to be delivered and put into operation in mid-2023.
Switching from a conventional diesel-powered crane to clean, all-electric alternatives will help the port achieve its long-term aim of 100% zero-emission cargo handling equipment by 2030. Furthermore, the electric crane systems will provide the heaviest lifting capability (400 metric tons) of any other cranes installed on the West Coast of the US. The port’s current diesel crane has a lifting capability of just 100 metric tons.
The fully electric mobile harbor crane system will help to eliminate all NOX and diesel particulate matter emissions, in addition to decreasing carbon dioxide equivalent emissions, provided the electrical grid has a significantly lower greenhouse gas emissions factor per unit of activity compared with diesel.
“We have designated a significant portion of our federal stimulus funds to electrification – about US$25m – for zero-emission equipment just like the all-electric cranes from Konecranes,” commented Dan Malcolm, chairman of the Port of San Diego Board of Port Commissioners. “This is just the start of us delivering on our promise to do our part in improving air quality and public health. It’s also an excellent example of how we can meet our clean air and environmental goals while supporting business and job growth.”
“Konecranes has been working closely with the Port of San Diego for over 20 years, and we’re delighted that the first all-electric Konecranes Gottwald Generation 6 mobile harbor cranes in the Americas will make history as the right solution for the port’s current needs,” explained Andreas Moeller, senior sales manager of port solutions, region Americas at Konecranes. “Our profound knowledge and long experience from years of working with electrically powered harbor equipment will ensure that these new cranes deliver high performance, productivity and the ultimate in eco-efficiency for many years to come.”