The Danish Baltic seaport has retrofitted two Gottwald cranes, used for container handling in the New West Harbour, to run on electricity instead of diesel.

The conversion, part of the Green Zealand Gateway project carried out in co-op with APM Terminals, also saw the set-up of a transformer station and other necessary electrical infrastructure.

"With the electrification of our cranes, we are taking our green promises seriously and showing that we are an ambitious partner in maritime sustainability. Electric gantries are an important part of reducing our environmental impact, because the cranes no longer have to burn diesel for hours. We increase our competitiveness by setting a high standard for more sustainable container handling," highlighted Bent Rasmussen, CEO, the Port of Kalundborg.

"Carbon neutrality is an important priority for many of the port's customers, and it is therefore a necessity for the seaport to be able to offer services that are both environmentally friendly and efficient. This helps to ensure that the Port of Kalundborg remains an attractive and competitive partner in the market," the Danish seaport said in a press brief.

Rasmussen added to that, "Our customers’ need for sustainable solutions is increasing steadily, and our ambition level is not only to meet their current needs, but to help them meet future ones."

The retrofitting was executed with the help of Port-Trade, which supplied the technical solutions, and Brix Elteknik, in charge of establishing the electrical infrastructure.

However, Kalundborg's e-Gottwalds can still run on diesel if need be. Rasmussen explained, "In times of uncertainty, it's essential that we, as a port, can maintain our operations in the event of sabotage to the power grid. The ability to switch to diesel if the power goes out gives us the necessary flexibility and security to meet both environmental requirements and operational needs."

Photo: Port of Kalundborg