Konecranes is introducing its Konecranes Noell Hydrogen Fuel Cell Straddle Carrier to the Americas and the world at this week’s TOC Americas 2025 event in Panama City.

The straddle carrier will debut alongside the Konecranes E-Hybrid RTG and electric empty container handler, showing the concrete steps the company is taking towards offering a comprehensive portfolio of low- to zero-tailpipe-emission products.

The new hydrogen-driven straddle carrier is currently being tested at Hamburger Hafen und Logistik AG’s (HHLA) hydrogen test field in Hamburg, and initial test results show the same high performance as diesel and hybrid versions.

“To date, hydrogen fuel cells have mainly been used with light material handling equipment, so the workhorse Konecranes Noell Hydrogen Fuel Cell Straddle Carrier marks an important step forward for heavy material handling equipment,” says Thomas Gylling, Director of Marketing & Customer Experience, Port Solutions, Konecranes.

“This introduction is part of Konecranes Ecolifting, which aims to make container handling equipment emission-free at the tailpipe with all-electric and hydrogen power options while sacrificing nothing in performance. And we remain well on track towards our goal of having all-electric variants for our entire Ports product portfolio by 2026,” Gylling adds.

The straddle carrier will debut alongside the Konecranes E-Hybrid RTG and electric empty container handler.

Konecranes E-Hybrid RTG

Konecranes is also showcasing in Panama City its E-Hybrid RTG, which exploits Konecranes‘ proven battery technology along with conventional cable reel or busbar systems connected to the local grid. The batteries are the primary power source, charged by the cable reel or busbar system when needed. This solution is a game-changer for container terminals that suffer frequent power blackouts and are thus reliant on diesel RTGs. Such terminals can also realize significant electrical infrastructure savings versus electric RTGs powered by cable reel or busbar systems.

Konecranes electric empty container handler

The Konecranes electric empty container handler is now available throughout the Americas. Its modern high-voltage technology makes the batteries energy-efficient, enabling up to 12 hours of operation before recharging. Deliveries of the electric empty container handlers, first launched in October 2024, are already well underway in other regions, with very positive initial customer feedback.

A strong focus on customers and commitment to business growth and continuous improvement make Konecranes a material handling industry leader. This is underpinned by investments in digitalization and technology, plus our work to make material flows more efficient with solutions that support the decarbonization of the economy and advance circularity and safety.