Konecranes unveils hydrogen straddle carrier

Konecranes has unveiled its groundbreaking Konecranes Noell Hydrogen Fuel Cell Straddle Carrier to the Americas and global audiences at TOC Americas 2025 in Panama City.

KC Noell hydrogen straddle carrier at portside

The new equipment debuts alongside the Konecranes E-Hybrid RTG and electric empty container handler, marking a major step toward a comprehensive range of low- to zero-emission container handling solutions.

Currently undergoing testing at Hamburger Hafen und Logistik AG’s (HHLA) hydrogen test field in Hamburg, the hydrogen-driven straddle carrier has demonstrated performance levels matching Konecranes’ existing hybrid versions.

“To date, hydrogen fuel cells have mainly been used with light material handling equipment, so the workhorse Konecranes Noell Hydrogen Fuel Cell Straddle Carrier marks an important step forward for heavy material handling equipment,” said Thomas Gylling, director of marketing & customer experience, Port Solutions, Konecranes.

READ MORE: Hamburg road tests hydrogen straddle carriers

Alongside the hydrogen straddle carrier, Konecranes’ E-Hybrid RTG is also being showcased in Panama City. The system combines proven battery technology with traditional cable reel or busbar systems, reducing diesel dependency and cutting electrical infrastructure costs for terminals prone to power blackouts.

Konecranes is also promoting its electric empty container handler, now available across the Americas. The handler’s advanced high-voltage batteries deliver up to 12 hours of operation per charge, and customer feedback from early deliveries has been ‘very positive’, according to Konecranes.