The transition from diesel to electric equipment at ports and container depots has become increasingly evident as efforts to minimise greenhouse-gas emissions and reduce carbon footprints gain traction.

Noting this advancement, CFAO Equipment’s Heavy Lift division has introduced the Konecranes E-ACE electric empty container handler for use at ports and depots. The handler features zero emissions and can lift up to 21% faster and handle slopes with up to 18% faster acceleration than its diesel counterpart.

CFAO Equipment’s Heavy Lift national product specialist Lenny Naidoo says electric empty container handlers, which have a lifting capacity of between 8 t and 11 t at 1 220 mm, are as robust as their diesel counterparts. “Not only are they more eco-friendly, but they offer immediate power on demand, making them true examples of power in motion.” 

The electric empty container handlers consume less energy as a result of high voltage technology that allows for six to 12 hours of operation without charging. The units also offer flexible charging, using either 282 kW or 350 kW lithium-ion batteries, which can be fully charged in one hour using GB/T or CCS dual port charging.

Naidoo says operations that invest in electric empty container handlers will need to install a charging port facility, adding: “Reefer container depots will have less to do because the reefer containers require high voltage electricity, so the infrastructure is already in place.”

Decreased power consumption, combined with a lack of tailpipe emissions, means a reduced CO2 footprint, helping users move closer to achieving sustainability goals.

In addition, drivers experience up to 50% less noise and vibrations while operating E-ACE handlers, with no vibrations during idling.

The structure of the electric empty container handler remains the same as its diesel counterpart, from the cab, chassis and tyres, to the mast and spreader. The equipment has the same dimensions, with the only difference being the internal working parts situated in the chassis. 

Naidoo notes that Heavy Lift’s electric empty container handlers are the same length as their diesel counterparts. “Electric empty container handlers that are longer than diesel empty handlers can present a challenge for container yards, as they have to reconfigure stacks to accommodate the larger turning radius of the new equipment.  For operations where space optimisation is critical, this can be a significant hurdle.” 

The E-ACE’s OPTIMA cabin is said to offer one of the safest, most spacious and quiet cabins in the industry, providing high visibility in all directions.