German logistics company Hamburger Hafen und Logistik AG (HHLA) has started transitioning its Container Terminal Burchardkai (CTB) in Hamburg to a fully electric “automated transport system”, as it prepares for delivery of the first of 116 Konecranes Gottwald Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) ordered for the site.

Konecranes says the order, which is the single largest it has received for AGVs, was booked in 2022 and delivery will continue from now in to 2025.

In addition to the AGVs, the deal includes delivery of 20 automated charging stations, a battery management system, a safety system, equipment control software and automated stacking cranes.

The Li-Ion battery-powered AGVs are being used for automated container transport at the 3.6 km-long Waltershofer Hafen container hub. 

HHLA Container Terminal Burchardkai general manager Ingo Witte says the journey from manual, diesel-powered operations to a fully electric and automated terminal is now well underway.

“We are nearing the completion of our conversion from manual straddle carrier operations to automated, emission-free AGVs between the quay and storage blocks,” Witte continues. “HHLA aims to be carbon neutral by 2040.

"The 20-year collaboration with Konecranes includes joint research and development on AGV battery technology with HHLA’s Container Terminal Altenwerder – the world’s first certified climate-neutral container terminal. 

“With the transformation of CTB, HHLA is taking another significant step forward. This comprehensive modernisation project is regarded as the largest brownfield upgrade of an operational plant in the global industry. 

“Once fully implemented, this transformation will enable us to reduce CO2 emissions by up to 12,000 T. annually."

Konecranes says the 116 AGVs will take HHLA’s Konecranes AGV fleet size to more than 200 vehicles.