The Finnish manufacturer of cargo handling equipment, Konecranes, presents this week at the Intermodal South America 2026 fair in São Paulo its range of electric solutions for ports and terminals, at a time when operators across the South American continent are advancing towards electrification and automation of their operations.
One of the most notable announcements from the company at the event is the introduction of the first electric empty container handlers in South America. A Brazilian operator has become the first customer on the continent to adopt this type of equipment, with two units of the Konecranes E-ACE 7/8 ECC 90 model set to operate at the Port of Santos for daily container stacking and repositioning tasks. This addition complements previous developments in Brazil supported by Konecranes, such as the adoption of electric RTG cranes at container terminals.
"Introducing electric empty container handlers into a large-scale deposit operation demonstrates how Konecranes' electric solutions can meet the performance demands of daily container handling," said Andres Ramirez, regional sales development manager for Konecranes forklifts. Ramirez indicated that this adoption reflects a broader shift in South America, where operators are seeking to improve efficiency, reduce emissions, and align with the expectations of global supply chains.
The complete range of Konecranes electric forklifts is available in the South American market. Among the most recent additions is the electric reach stacker, which offers up to 16 hours of operation on a single charge and a rapid recharge time of between one and three hours. The new equipment features the TRUCONNECT remote monitoring system, which provides real-time data for preventive maintenance and maximizes machine uptime.
In the field of port cranes, Konecranes introduces the new Gottwald ESP.4, the most recent addition to the Generation 6 family of mobile port cranes. It is the smallest model in the range, specially designed for smaller ports, yet capable of multipurpose handling of containers, bulk materials, and general and project cargo. The crane features a modular propulsion system that allows for fully electric operation, while still maintaining the possibility of hybrid or diesel configurations depending on the specific needs of each installation.
"Ports and terminals in South America are at different stages on the path toward electrification. Konecranes' role is to adapt to each customer's current level of ambition and provide them with a roadmap for the future," affirmed Jörg Müller, vice president of mobile port cranes at the company.
Electric propulsion technology forms the common basis of Konecranes' catalog, enabling uniform performance and standardized maintenance across different types of equipment and operational environments. The company's decarbonization strategy, called Ecolifting, presents a progressive roadmap toward zero direct emissions, ranging from renewable diesel propulsion to fully electrified fleets, including emerging options such as hydrogen.
In South America, Konecranes has a network of local distributors and technical service partners who provide spare parts and assistance tailored to the specific operational conditions of the region.