The TOC (Terminal Operations Conference) Europe 2026 event was held in Hamburg last week with more than 4,500 participants attending from more than 100 countries.

Event organisers TOC Worldwide, billed the event as “a critical forum for addressing challenges in global trade amidst ongoing disruptions” and indeed this was a key topic of discussion both by speakers and event attendees.

There were also a number of product launches relevant to the wider materials handling sector.

Konecranes unveiled its Generation D lift truck platform at TOC Europe marking what it describes as a transition to a modular generation of equipment designed for maximum performance with minimum complexity. 

The first Generation D models available are diesel and electric reach stackers.

Konecranes says its global, modular Generation D platform enables its lift trucks to be easily configured for customers’ different operational needs, while the common digital architecture simplifies fleet management and maintenance. 

The Finnish-based materials handling equipment maker says the platform will meet all upcoming EU regulatory requirements, including those covering machinery safety and cybersecurity.

Jeffrey Stokes, director product & technology management and quality & customer satisfaction, lift trucks, Konecranes, says: “Generation D is designed to increase uptime by making fleet management and maintenance simpler. Drivers and mechanics benefit from working with a consistent platform, while fleet managers realize strong lifecycle value and low total cost of ownership.” 

The new Konecranes diesel reach stackers introduced on the Generation D platform, have capacities from 9T to 46T and combine their durability with simplified and highly predictable maintenance.

The new electric reach stackers on the Generation D platform, also have capacities between 9 and 46T, produce zero tailpipe emissions during operation, and can accelerate up to 25% faster than comparable diesel models.

Konecranes says the European and North American markets will initially be prioritised for the Generation D reach stackers “due to upcoming regulations”. 

Konecranes says it is now working on expanding the Generation D lift truck platform to also include forklifts and empty and laden container handlers.

Kalmar used TOC Europe to launch its fully electric TT7 terminal tractor with three initial models – the TT770, 70,000 kg GCW with a 20,000 kg lifting capacity; the TT785, 85,000 kg GCW with a 28,000 kg lifting capacity and; the TT795, 95,000 kg GCW with a 32,000 kg lifting capacity.

The range will be expanded this year to include a heavy-duty and an electric variant of the TT7, and has been designed for the demanding requirements of customers in the European market.

Thor Brenden, Kalmar’s president, terminal tractors says: “The Kalmar TT7 will enable port and terminal operators to take on the toughest cargo and container handling challenges with confidence. We have listened closely to our customers and used their valuable feedback to develop a terminal tractor offering that is robust, reliable and efficient as well as being comfortable to operate and easy to maintain.”

TMEIC Corporation Americas, a group company of Japan’s TMEIC Corporation, launched its E-Tanker mobile charging solution designed to accelerate port decarbonisation through crane electrification without extensive infrastructure upgrades or operational disruption. 

“Diesel-powered RTG (rubber-tyred gantry) cranes can account for up to 75% of a terminal’s fuel consumption, making them a high-impact starting point for decarbonisation,” explains Suraj Mishra, TMEIC’s business development manager.

“While traditional cable reel and bus bar approaches clash with yard layout constraints and involve significant civil work and retrofit downtime, the E-Tanker solution introduces a new crane electrification paradigm. Terminals can transition to cleaner, battery-electric operations quickly and cost-effectively without redesigning their yards or taking cranes offline for weeks.”

Liebherr Maritime Cranes, in a LinkedIn post says: “From digital solutions and simulation-based training to discussions around the future of terminal operations, TOC Europe once again showed the importance of close collaboration and practical innovation between customers, partners and industry experts.”