Belgian logistics giant Katoen Natie has placed an order for four all-electric Konecranes Gottwald Mobile Harbor Cranes to modernize its Port of Antwerp operations. The investment aligns with global sustainability trends and sets an example for African ports aiming to improve efficiency while reducing carbon emissions.
The order, booked in Q1 2025 and set for delivery in Q1 2026, highlights Katoen Natie’s commitment to green logistics. With over 170 years of experience, the company continues to drive innovation in global trade, and this move could inspire similar initiatives in Africa’s port infrastructure.
A Model for African Ports?
Katoen Natie’s investment underscores the growing role of electrification in port logistics, a transition that African ports could benefit from. The four cranes ordered include:
✅ Two ESP.9 Konecranes Gottwald cranes – 200-tonne lifting capacity each, with Tandem-lift Assistant enabling a combined 400-tonne capacity.
✅ Two ESP.8 Konecranes Gottwald cranes – 150-tonne lifting capacity each.
✅ All-electric drive system – Integrates external power supply with rechargeable batteries, ensuring zero local tailpipe emissions.
Africa’s busiest ports, including Durban, Mombasa, Lagos, and Tema, could look to this model as a benchmark for adopting electric-driven port equipment, reducing dependence on diesel-powered cranes and improving efficiency.
Smarter, Greener Logistics
A 10-year service level agreement accompanies the order, ensuring high availability and minimal downtime through remote condition monitoring (Konecranes TRUCONNECT). This approach enhances predictive maintenance, a feature that could benefit African ports seeking to optimize operational uptime and reduce costs.
“Konecranes’ all-electric drive concept is the best choice for achieving sustainable port operations while also offering a new level of performance,” says Tom Brouwers, Energy Manager at Katoen Natie.
This initiative aligns with Konecranes’ Ecolifting™ strategy, which promotes eco-optimized diesel drives, hybridization, and full electrification. As Africa pushes for greener trade corridors and logistics hubs, such investments signal a future where sustainability and efficiency go hand in hand.
The Future of Port Electrification in Africa
As African nations expand maritime trade, investments in electric and hybrid port equipment could enhance sustainability goals while ensuring compliance with global environmental regulations. Ports that embrace electrification can benefit from reduced fuel costs, lower emissions, and improved efficiency, ultimately boosting competitiveness in global trade.
Will Africa’s ports follow Katoen Natie’s lead? The shift toward green port infrastructure is no longer a question of if—but when.
