RTG hybrid retrofits

Konecranes will supply South Carolina Ports with 12 RTG retrofit hybrid power packs that promise significant carbon emission reductions and lower operating costs – without compromising performance.

The US Environmental Protection Agency approved Konecranes’ new hybrid technology in April 2021 after tests by West Virginia University found that carbon monoxide emissions reduced by over 95% compared with conventional Tier 3 diesel-electric RTG cranes.

Performance protection

“The decision of South Carolina Ports to opt for Konecranes’ new technology is an indicator of things to come in an industry where the focus is increasingly on finding sustainable ways to stay ahead of growing demand,” said Scott Lane, vice president of Konecranes’ US port services.

“Anyone can add a battery to an engine and call it ‘hybrid’, but because we manufacture our own drive and control systems, we are the only company that can conduct a full upgrade on a turnkey basis without compromising crane performance,” he added.

The conversion of the 12 20-year-old Charleston-based Konecranes diesel RTG cranes will begin in January 2022 and is part funded by a Diesel Emissions Reduction Act grant. The contract complements Konecranes’ momentum in the region, with over 30 new hybrid RTGs delivered to ports across America since 2020.

The hybrid power pack retrofit is part of Konecranes’ suite of Ecolifting products that have been engineered to deliver reduced carbon exhaust emissions.