Forkliftaction brings you the latest ports and container handling coverage from around the globe. Find out which operators are adopting new hydrogen fuel-cell, hybrid and electric-powered equipment in their push towards more sustainable ports and terminals, and learn about the latest manufacturer news and industry initiatives.

In May

DP World kicks off its USD165 million expansion of the container terminal at the Port of Maputo in Mozambique with a groundbreaking ceremony. The company states the project will position the port as a key trade and logistics hub for Southern Africa and will be introducing new materials handling equipment including RTGs and STSs.

Konecranes releases its interim financial report for Q1 2025 which indicates a rise in sales of 7.7% compared to Q1 2024. Orders received for the period totalled a positive EUR1.06 billion (USD1.2 billion) – a jump of 16.8% on Q1 24.

DP World completes the initial testing for its hydrogen fuel cell rubber-tyred gantry (RTG) crane at the Port of Vancouver. The RTG is currently undergoing field testing while the company assesses the feasibility of electrifying its global fleet of 1,500 RTG cranes. 

In April

The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) proposes an additional 100% tariff on ship-to-shore (STS) cranes and cargo handling equipment of Chinese origin.

Portonave, Brazil’s first private container terminal, orders 14 fully electric rubber-tyred gantry cranes (RTGs) from Konecranes, with expected delivery mid-2026. The RTGs are battery-driven with charging applied through a busbar system.

Kalmar Corporation starts producing electric empty container handlers and heavy-duty forklifts at its Shanghai production facility, which will serve customers in the Asia-Pacific, South America, India, Middle East and Africa regions.

Shanghai Zhenhua Heavy Industries Company Limited (ZPMC) delivers 23 rubber-tyred gantry cranes and eight quay cranes to the Yanpu International Container Hub Port in Hainan, and four electric ship-to-shore (STS) container cranes to the US Port of Virginia.

Port Elizabeth Container Terminal in South Africa acquires a ZAR240 million (USD12.6 million) ship-to-shore (STS) crane from Liebherr Africa with the aim of increasing its agricultural and automative container throughput while accommodating larger vessels.

Swedish steelmaker SSAB orders five reachstackers from equipment manufacturer Kalmar. The Kalmar Super Gloria forklift will incorporate SSAB’s Zero fossil-free, carbon-neutral recycled steel.

Port Houston orders 16 hybrid Konecranes rubber-tyred gantry (RTG) cranes, which have been designed for 1-over-6 stacking capacity and come with advanced features including auto-steering, stack collision prevention and truck lift prevention. 

Rotterdam Shortsea Terminals (RST) orders two ship-to-shore cranes and a cantilever rail-mounted gantry (RMG) from Jiangsu Rainbow Industrial Equipment for its Waal-Eemhaven terminal.

Heavy materials handling manufacturer Kalmar receives EUR20 million (USD21.6 million) in funding for a five-year Move2Green research and development program to help develop low-emission and intelligent materials handling solutions. 

In March

The “Life Program” holds its third edition in Panama. The initiative - aimed at developing female leadership in the maritime and ports industry - brings together professionals from Latin America to foster strategic leaderships, effective communication, emotional intelligence, and resilience.

The Lifting Equipment Engineers Association (LEEA) holds a Southeast Asia Regional Event in Kuala Lumpur. The event was attended by 70 representatives of the lifting community from around 35 regional companies.

CSP Iberian Valencia Terminal orders seven hybrid Rubber-Tyred Gantry (RTG) cranes from Konecranes, to add to the 11 Konecranes hybrid RTGs that CSP Valencia currently operates at its terminals in Valencia and Bilbao.

Shanghai Zhenhua Heavy Industries will deliver three new Panamax cranes to AD Ports Group’s new multipurpose cargo terminal in Safaga, Egypt. AD Ports Group will also receive three ship-to-shore (STS) cranes, and six hybrid rubber-tyred gantry (RTG) cranes for the project.

The Port of San Diego’s Tenth Avenue Marine Terminal takes delivery of a 55,000 lbs. capacity (24,948kg) fully electric forklift. The Wiggins Yard eBull forklift is the industry’s first commercialised large capacity, zero-emissions forklift manufactured in the United States.

Hyster expands the J10-18XD electric forklift series, which can be used for heavy-duty applications. The company says the forklift’s 350V architecture provides performance and energy efficiency comparable to internal combustion engine (ICE) counterparts.

India’s Ministry of Defence signs an INR697.35 crore (USD80.6 million) deal with Ace Limited and JCB India for 1,868 rough terrain forklifts for use by the Indian Army, Air Force and Navy.

Stay tuned for ongoing updates on ports and container handling throughout May.

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