First Turkish Konecranes busbar RTG

This RTG crane is part of a larger order for eight, received last year from EVYAP.

All will run on electricity drawn from the local grid – they don’t use hydraulics. They will be equipped with a full size diesel generator and Konecranes Diesel Fuel Saver technology in case of electricity blackouts.

Konecranes says that the busbar powered RTG, equipped with network braking, will reduce energy consumption by up to 60% and reduce local emissions by up to 95%.

Kim Salvén, sales director port cranes, explained to Green Port that there are multiple reasons behind the RTG acquisitions. Turkey has the most expensive fuel in the whole of Europe, so on one hand this is a money saving exercise.

But there are environmental savings too. Not only do the cranes produce very low emissions, the noise level at the terminal will be reduced (no diesel generator sound) and the maintenance cost will also be reduced significantly.

Mr Salvén said to GP: “We have already seen a huge interest from other terminals – things are catching on because there is a saving to be made because fuel costs are so high. We believe we will have a great future in Turkey.”

Konecranes says that EVYAP is increasingly investing in energy saving solutions and encorporating eco-efficient technology in its operations. The container terminal at the port serves the Anatolian side of Istanbul and the regional economy of Kocaeli with an annual capacity of 615,000 teu.