Hamburger Hafen und Logistik AG (HHLA)’s Container Terminal Altenwerder (CTA) has received three new highly automated container gantry cranes.
The unique remote-controlled cranes are the first of their type at the Port of Hamburg.
The container gantry cranes arrived at CTA on 14 December 2024, on the ship “ZHONG REN 121”.
Liebherr supplied them half-constructed from Ireland. They can reportedly accommodate ship sizes of up to 16,000 TEUs and can reach a total height of up to 120 metres when raised, with a jib length of around 70 metres.
The gantry cranes will be placed on the quayside of CTA’s berth 1 by the end of December, after which they will commence operation gradually.
In the next years, CTA’s 14 container gantry cranes will be replaced with highly automated models.
Manufacturing of the next three cargo gantry cranes has already begun. They are slated to arrive at the CTA in 2026.
Angela Titzrath, CEO of HHLA, said: “The arrival of the first remote-controlled container gantry cranes marks a key step in the modernisation of our terminals at the Port of Hamburg. Since its construction, CTA has shaped the standards within the industry and is once again leading the way today in innovation and efficiency.”
Patrick Krawutschke, CTA Managing Director, stated: “To support the introduction of this innovative crane technology, we are implementing extensive qualification programs. Together with our team, we look forward to seamlessly integrating the new cranes into our operations.”
According to HMM, training in a realistic simulation environment is an important component of the training process. The simulator is being built as part of the DigiRemote2030 project.
The cranes will begin functioning gradually in 2025. First, the gantry cranes’ driving systems will be activated, followed by automated features and remote control.
Concurrently, the container gantry cranes will undergo comprehensive testing. Adjustments to the IT system and integration of the cranes with CTA’s terminal control system will also be necessary.
Recently, HHLA CTA was entirely digitalised and managed using the passify app.