Puerto Aguadulce takes delivery of hybrid RTG cranes

Puerto Aguadulce has taken delivery of five new hybrid rubber-tired gantry (RTG) cranes as part of an approximately USD12 million investment to expand yard capacity and improve cargo-handling operations.

Once commissioned, the RTGs will increase truck appointment availability for cargo drop-off and pick-up by around 30 percent. Their deployment will also reduce truck waiting and service times and improve cargo flow.

The equipment will operate in designated areas of the container yard that has been redesigned to accommodate the cranes and improve operational performance.

The cranes have a lifting capacity of up to 50 metric tons and are integrated into the terminal’s Navis N4 terminal operating system (TOS). This connectivity will support yard coordination, real-time equipment monitoring and more accurate container positioning, while allowing for the future implementation of additional automation and optimization modules.

Puerto Aguadulce expects the hybrid cranes to consume around 45 percent less fuel than previous generation equipment, supporting the terminal’s efforts to use resources more efficiently.

The cranes also feature interlocking and positioning systems that enable containers to be lifted and placed only at locations instructed and validated by the TOS. These systems help prevent container misplacement and support operational safety.

Following their arrival, the cranes will undergo technical testing and operational transition before entering full commercial service.