Hamburger Hafen und Logistik AG (HHLA)’s Container Terminal Altenwerder (CTA) recently received three new highly automated container gantry cranes, marking a significant technological milestone for the Port of Hamburg.
Delivered partially assembled from Ireland by Liebherr aboard the special ship “ZHONG REN 121” on 14 December 2024, these innovative cranes are the first of their kind at the German port. With a raised height of up to 120 meters and a jib length of approximately 70 meters, the cranes are designed to handle ships with capacities of up to 16,000 TEUs.
Installation on the quayside at berth 1 is scheduled for completion by the end of December 2024, with operations commencing gradually throughout 2025. Initially, the drive systems will be activated, followed by the implementation of automated and remote-control functionalities.
During this period, the cranes will undergo extensive testing, IT system adjustments, and integration into the terminal control system. Over the next few years, HHLA plans to replace all 14 container gantry cranes at CTA with similar state-of-the-art models, with the next three cranes already under production and expected to arrive in 2026.
Angela Titzrath, CEO of HHLA, commented: “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. With this investment, we are strengthening the competitiveness of our facilities and laying the foundation so that we can continue to offer our customers outstanding services in the future. Since its construction, CTA has shaped the standards within the industry and is once again leading the way today in innovation and efficiency.”
According to a statement, these new cranes represent a leap forward in technical innovation and efficiency, enabling faster and more seamless container handling at CTA. Operated semi-automatically and remotely, they will allow operators to control them from advanced remote stations in office settings, supported by robust automated assistance for loading and unloading.
Equipped with optical character recognition (OCR) systems, the cranes can automatically digitize container data and match it against pre-registered information, enhancing operational precision. Operator training will take place in a sophisticated simulation environment developed as part of the DigiRemote2030 project.
Rebecca Vick, Director of Container Development Hamburg, mentioned: “The arrival of this innovative container gantry crane technology at CTA represents a significant advancement in terminal operations. This development is a key part of our ongoing efforts to enhance efficiency, further boost automation, and ensure the terminal remains sustainable and future-ready.”
Since its inception in 2002, CTA has been at the forefront of port logistics, setting benchmarks for automation and innovation. Technologies pioneered at CTA are now implemented at terminals worldwide. HHLA’s commitment to innovation extends beyond technology, fostering the development of new job profiles in the port sector. Over the past five years, HHLA has invested over US$1 billion in its Port Logistics subgroup, with approximately 40% allocated to modernizing Hamburg’s container terminals. These efforts underscore HHLA’s dedication to sustainable, environmentally responsible, and commercially successful operations.
Patrick Krawutschke, CTA Managing Director, stated: “In addition, we are committed to continuously investing in the development and training of our employees. 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.”
