HHLA TK Estonia will become the first terminal in Europe to operate fully battery-powered Rubber-Tired Gantry cranes capable of completing an entire work shift solely on battery power.
The cranes, supplied by Konecranes, are scheduled for delivery at the end of 2026 and will be deployed in the Muuga container yard as part of the terminal’s ongoing investment in energy-efficient infrastructure.
Each crane is equipped with a 296 kWh battery system providing up to eight hours of independent operation, eliminating the need for continuous connection to external power sources during a standard shift.
Unlike conventional diesel-powered RTGs, the new equipment produces no direct emissions during operation and generates significantly reduced noise levels, contributing to both environmental and community benefits at the terminal.
Riia Sillave, CEO of HHLA TK Estonia, described the investment as an important milestone in the terminal’s long-term sustainability strategy, which is being implemented incrementally across infrastructure and equipment.
Tanel Ringo, Technology and Infrastructure Manager at HHLA TK Estonia, highlighted the operational consistency advantages of expanding a fleet that already includes several Konecranes units, and noted that the manufacturer’s proximity across the Gulf of Finland facilitates effective collaboration in developing equipment suited to northern climate operating conditions.
Philipp Reiter, Regional Sales Manager EMEA at Konecranes Port Solutions, framed the order as evidence of a fundamental shift in battery technology from a supplementary mitigation tool to a primary power source capable of sustaining full-scale container terminal operations.
