HHLA advances remote rail crane operations

A new rail gantry crane manufactured by Künz was delivered in 2025 and installed at CTA with full remote-operation capability. An existing crane was also retrofitted, allowing it to be operated either manually from its cabin or remotely.

“We are pleased with the successful commissioning of the remote-controlled rail gantry cranes,” said Jens Hansen, member of the HHLA Executive Board. “They will make a significant contribution towards boosting efficiency and productivity in rail processing.”

Remote-control technology has been gradually introduced since the beginning of 2026. Operators and technicians have received training and instructions on the new equipment as the technology enters regular operation.

In future, rail gantry crane operators will control the machinery from ergonomically designed workstations inside the terminal building rather than from crane cabins. HHLA said the change will contribute to the development of new job profiles within port operations.

The new crane has a track width exceeding 41 metres, allowing it to span nine railway tracks at CTA. Its total working width is approximately 90 metres, enabling it to reach preliminary queuing areas on both the waterside and landside.

The remote-controlled rail cranes complement CTA’s existing fleet of remote-controlled container gantry cranes, extending automation across the terminal’s rail-handling operations.

Hansen said HHLA would continue examining optimisation opportunities, including remote operation, in future projects.

The development comes as rail remains central to Hamburg’s freight transport system. The Port of Hamburg is Europe’s largest rail port, with around half of hinterland containers arriving or departing by rail.

In 2025, approximately 2.6 million teu were transported by rail through the Port of Hamburg, with most handled through HHLA’s container terminals.