• HHLA TK Estonia AS first in Europe with two Konecranes Rubber-Tired Gantry (RTG) cranes engineered for full operational shifts on battery power

HHLA TK Estonia AS has invested in two Konecranes Rubber-Tired Gantry  cranes engineered for full operational shifts on battery power. The 296-kWh battery system enables up to eight hours of independent operation, marking a significant step forward in the evolution of battery-electric RTG technology. The deal was booked in Q4 2025, with delivery scheduled for Q4 2026.

The 1-over-5 six-lane Konecranes RTGs will be deployed for container handling at the Port of Muuga, as part of HHLA TK Estonia’s broader investment in a more eco-efficient container yard. With energy supplied via an integrated 25-meter busbar charging system, the cranes can run fully on battery power – eliminating tailpipe emissions during crane operations and significantly reducing yard noise as well.

The investment also contributes to HHLA Group’s sustainability strategy. Gradually replacing diesel-powered yard equipment with electric alternatives is a key step in reducing emissions from terminal operations.

This is the first time Konecranes has shipped RTGs with a battery capacity of this scale to Europe, intended to provide power for full operational shifts at Muuga. The terminal already operates a substantial Konecranes fleet, including two Konecranes RTGs, three Konecranes Ship-to-Shore cranes and one Konecranes Rail-Mounted Gantry (RMG) crane, alongside equipment from other manufacturers.

“Our experience with the existing Konecranes equipment at Muuga has been positive. The equipment is reliable and we receive very good support. Replacing older RTGs with these Europe-first Konecranes battery-electric RTGs allows us to further modernize our yard while maintaining operational consistency across the fleet. Having the manufacturer’s engineering and production located in the same northern climate region is also beneficial when developing equipment for our operating conditions,” says Tanel Ringo, Technology and Infrastructure Manager at HHLA TK Estonia AS.

For Konecranes, the order represents a clear step forward in the practical deployment of high-capacity battery technology in container terminals. It also underlines the role of HHLA TK Estonia as an active development partner, working together with Konecranes to test and implement next-generation yard solutions in live operating environments.

“Close collaboration with a partner just across the Gulf of Finland enables us to move development initiatives quickly into real-world yard performance. This order demonstrates how battery technology is shifting from being a mitigation solution to providing power for full-scale operational use in container terminals. Delivering our first 296 kWh battery RTGs with busbar charging highlights our commitment to supporting customers with practical and scalable electrification solutions,” says Philipp Reiter, Regional Sales Manager EMEA, Port Solutions, Konecranes.

The contract represents another proof point for Ecolifting, Konecranes’ comprehensive step-by-step roadmap to zero tailpipe emissions that supports the decarbonization of port operations. Our solutions range from renewable diesel-powered drives, to hybrid and fully-electrified fleets, and emerging options like hydrogen, all designed to meet the needs of each customer today and for the future.

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 support the decarbonization of the economy and advance circularity and safety.