As infrastructure upgrades, digitalisation and efficiency measures take shape at South African ports, this surge in activity underscores a critical need for significant investment in electric equipment to ensure faster, more sustainable operations that can support this growth and transformation.

Lenny Naidoo, National Product Specialist of Heavy Lift, a division of CFAO Equipment, says as port activity increases, so do CO2 emissions and associated environmental risks, making the shift to electric equipment not merely a nice-to-have, but a strategic necessity. 

He says Heavy Lift’s Konecranes E-ACE electric empty container handlers are purpose-built for this transformation, offering a blend of powerful performance, smart features, low operational costs and sustainable energy use.

“Capable of stacking up to 10 empty containers high, the E-ACE Electric Empty Container Handler boasts the same top speeds as its diesel counterpart, as well as similar or superior lift speeds. Moreover, the equipment delivers between six and 12 hours of operational time, and with fast charging of between one and two hours, this means minimal downtime.”

Heavily congested ports benefit from the E-ACE Electric Empty Container Handler’s  many smart features. These include load control and stability systems, which ensure safe container handling in high-stacking operations; advanced human-machine interface, an intuitive display that provides operators with battery stats, alerts and operational feedback; as well as fleet integration tools, which enable fleet-wide management across multiple Konecranes units via the Konecranes digital platform. 

Notably, the equipment is fully compatible with port automation solutions and easily integrated into existing terminal operating systems (TOS).

An intelligent energy management system means the E-ACE Electric Empty Container Handler ensures power is used efficiently by distributing energy where and when it’s needed to support continuous, high-volume lifting.

Naidoo explains that power is managed through efficient hydraulic pumps, motors and inverters, along with features such as Eco Drive modes and regenerative braking. “These systems optimise energy usage, extend operating time between charges and improve battery life. A machine in ECO mode and the highest regeneration mode can translate into an energy saving of between 15% and 20%.”

In addition, the E-ACE Electric Empty Container Handler comes with TRUCONNECT®, Konecranes’ remote monitoring and reporting system designed for predictive maintenance and real-time operational insight. 

Remote diagnostics such as data from the machine (battery performance, operating hours, error logs) are transmitted in real-time and predictive maintenance helps with scheduling service interventions before breakdowns occur. Usage analytics track driving patterns, idle times and lifting cycles, which helps fleet managers optimise productivity and costs.

The E-ACE Electric Empty Container Handler is particularly beneficial for operations that are under pressure to reduce their CO2 footprints such as Durban, Ngqura, Cape Town and Port Elizabeth container terminals where throughput is particularly heavy.  

It is also suitable for dry ports and inland container depots (ICDs) located close to urban areas and require quiet, efficient stacking. 

Naidoo says the electric motors, powered by lithium-ion batteries, produce no tailpipe emissions, meaning dramatically reduced CO2 footprints. “Reduced noise and a decrease in vibrations also make them more operator-friendly, enhancing comfort and productivity.”

Designed to meet the rigorous demands of modern ports and intermodal freight container yards, Naidoo says Heavy Lift’s electric empty handlers are not only changing how work is completed, but they’re helping build smarter, more sustainable supply chains.

“At Heavy Lift, we take pride in delivering exceptional equipment, and the Konecranes E-ACE Electric Empty Container Handler is no exception. Built for durability, safety and performance, it's a reliable solution that container yards and ports across the country will find indispensable.”