Four of our tugs recently helped with the precise docking of container gantry cranes in Hamburg. The gantry cranes arrived at the Port of Hamburg on November 20, 2024 on board the special vessel “Zhen Hua 27”. This operation, which was carefully planned in advance with the port pilots, ensured a smooth and safe maneuver. A true testament to coordination and expertise!
The operation was carried out in close cooperation with COSCO, Fairplay, the Hamburg Port Authority (HPA), the mooring service and the quay operators. This exemplary teamwork ensured that everything ran smoothly – proof of the power of cooperation!
These two state-of-the-art container gantry cranes are being installed at berths 1 and 2 in Waltershofer Hafen and mark an important step in the modernization of Germany’s largest seaport terminal. Following preparations on Athabaskakai, they will be installed by the end of November. Final commissioning is planned for the beginning of 2025.
Ingo Witte, Managing Director of CTB, emphasized the importance of the new technology: “With these cranes, we are making container handling more efficient, sustainable and future-proof.” The cranes, which are among the most modern in the world, can handle ships with up to 24,000 standard containers (TEU). With a height of 80 meters and a reach of 26 container rows, they are specially designed for the world’s largest container ships.
CTB has been using mega-ship container gantry cranes since 2019. Three more are to be added by 2026, meaning that 18 of these gantry cranes will then be in use. At the same time, the terminal is undergoing extensive modernization, including the use of automated container transporters from 2026 and the expansion of the block storage facility.
The focus is on sustainability: all new facilities will be powered by electricity from renewable sources and the new workshop at the terminal will be equipped with a photovoltaic system. HHLA’s goal is to be climate-neutral by 2040.
With these investments, Burchardkai is strengthening its role as a key hub in European freight transport and setting standards for environmentally friendly port operations.
