Associated British Ports (ABP) has announced that its blue cranes at the Port of Ipswich will soon be turning green. A new supply contract with Cooper Specialised Handling has been agreed which will deliver some of the first fully mains electric powered hydraulic cranes in the UK to the port. This £4 million investment is another step in ABP’s companywide policy to reduce CO2 emissions and energy consumption. The company expects all cargo handling operations at the Port of Ipswich to be fully electrified within the next five years.

The Mantsinen model 95ER is destined for use at the Port of Ipswich. It has been configured around the specific workings of the port operation. To enhance efficiencies, each machine will be ready supplied with innovative insight reporting systems that can further reduce energy. This model will replace the diesel-powered version and will improve ABP’s cargo handling service to its customers.

The Port already has some 4,000 solar panels installed onsite which could power the two new cranes. ABP have also invested in an electricity sub-station infrastructure that is future-proofed to accommodate up to four electric powered cranes working concurrently on the same quay.

Commenting on behalf of ABP Paul Ager Divisional Port Manager East Coast said:

“This investment shows that going green does not cost the earth. In addition to reducing our CO2 footprint, we estimate that these electric cranes will save in excess of 40% in energy costs. The electrification of our cranes will also significantly reduce noise emissions.

“At ABP, we have firm plans to decarbonise our ports. We know greener operations is important to our customers too and we are listening.”

Speaking on behalf of Cooper Specialised Handling, Executive Director, David Cooper commented:

“This is truly a landmark supply and hope this is the first of many. We congratulate ABP on their foresight and vision in opting for electric power. We have noticed a significant increase in interest in both direct electric power and Mantsinen’s dual power (electric and diesel in one machine) however, infrastructure costs become a barrier that often thwarts further investment. ABP have tackled this head-on and will yield the cost and environmental benefits in the years ahead”

The new units are expected to enter service in Spring 2022.