Hamburger Hafen und Logistik AG (HHLA) has taken delivery of three additional remote-controlled container gantry cranes at its Container Terminal Altenwerder (CTA), doubling the number of highly automated units at the facility to six.
The latest additions mark a further step in CTA’s long-term automation strategy, aimed at improving operational efficiency and throughput while supporting more consistent, data-driven processes.
The cranes are expected to be brought into service gradually by the end of 2026, following installation and commissioning.
Manufactured by Liebherr, the cranes were transported partially assembled aboard the vessel ZHONG REN 122 from Ireland to Hamburg.
Each unit reaches up to 120 metres in height when raised and features a jib length of approximately 70 metres, enabling handling of container vessels with capacities of up to 16,000 TEUs.
Once operational, the new cranes will complement three identical units already integrated into CTA’s workflows.
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HHLA plans to fully transition the terminal’s quay crane fleet to remote-controlled systems, with all 14 units scheduled for replacement by 2030.
Johannes Busenbach, Project Manager at HHLA, said: “With the new remote-controlled container gantry cranes, we are taking another important step in the ongoing development of CTA. The commencement of operations with the first three gantry cranes afforded us valuable experience which we are now using to make the integration of the new gantry cranes even more efficient.
“At the same time, we are continuing to train our employees in the new remote-control processes and expanding this training to a larger group. In doing so, we are ensuring that the terminal remains productive and is in an optimal position for the future.”
For more information:
HHLA – https://hhla.de/en/
