As ports and container depots accelerate efforts to minimise greenhouse gas emissions and reduce their carbon footprints, the need to transition from diesel to electric equipment has become increasingly urgent. 

With this in mind, CFAO Equipment’s Heavy Lift division has introduced the Konecranes E-ACE electric empty container handler that features zero emissions, lifts up to 21% faster and handles slopes with up to 18% faster acceleration rate than its diesel counterpart.

Heavy Lift’s National Product Specialist, Lenny Naidoo, says electric empty container handlers, which have a lifting capacity of between 8 and 11 tons 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 due to the modern high voltage technology that allows for six to 12 hours of operation without charging. Additionally, they 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. “Reefer container depots will have less to do because the reefer containers require high voltage electricity, so the infrastructure is already in place.”

The decreased power consumption, combined with a lack of tailpipe emissions, mean a significantly reduced CO2 footprint, ensuring that users get closer to achieving their sustainability goals when investing in an E-ACE.

Notably, drivers experience up to 50% less noise and vibrations during operation and no vibrations during idling. “This is because the diesel configuration that created the noise and vibrations has been replaced with electric components,” explains Naidoo.

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, but the internal working parts, which are situated in the chassis, are where it differs. 

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.” 

Ergonomically, the E-ACE offers one of the safest, most spacious and quiet cabins in the industry – the OPTIMA cabin – which provides exceptional visibility in all directions.

Heavy Lift offers technical support, including weekend assistance, for its empty container handlers, whether diesel or electric. “We pride ourselves on our spare parts availability and commitment to ensuring our customers experience zero or minimal downtime,” notes Naidoo.

For ports and container depots aiming to reduce their carbon footprints while investing in equipment that delivers greater efficiency and speed, the Konecranes E-ACE electric empty container handler offers improved operations and enhanced productivity.