The Saguenay Port Authority in Quebec has ordered a Konecranes Gottwald ESP.6B Mobile Harbor Crane for a new cargo handling system currently under development. The order was booked in Q1 2025, with handover scheduled for Q3 2025.

Situated on North America’s only navigable fjord, Port Saguenay provides cargo ships with year-round access to north-central Quebec. The natural deepwater port can accommodate vessels of up to 100,000 tonnes. Capitalizing on this strategic location, the port authority is now expanding its facilities to handle more cargo traffic.

This deal marks the start of a new partnership with the Saguenay Port Authority, which chose Konecranes for the flexibility, eco-efficiency and strong performance of its electric drives. The mobile harbor crane will run mainly on an external power supply, significantly reducing emissions compared to diesel-powered alternatives.

The ESP.6B comes equipped with an electric cable reel at the boom top to operate an electric hook rotator and spreaders. With these special features and its 125-tonne maximum lifting capacity, the crane can handle bulk materials – like de-icing salt and iron ore – as well as containers and general cargo.

“By enabling the use of electricity, the Konecranes equipment will be instrumental in helping us to reduce our carbon footprint. With the extra handling features we’ve chosen, the crane is a true asset for the planned growth of the port and the world-class industrial port zone, one of the largest In North America,” says Carl Laberge, Chief Executive Officer at Saguenay Port Authority.

“Konecranes’ industry-leading electric drive concept played a decisive role in securing this agreement. We are very happy to have the Saguenay Port Authority on board as we help more and more customers to reduce emissions while maintaining high operational performance,” says Andreas Moeller, Senior Sales Manager, 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.