Splash247: Konecranes unveils new automation and predictive maintenance tools for terminals

Published by Splash247

Finnish cargo handling specialist Konecranes has unveiled two new technology upgrades aimed at boosting automation, safety and equipment reliability at container terminals.

The company said it is now offering fully automated gantry long-travel operations for mixed-traffic container yards, both for new automated rubber-tyred gantry cranes (A-RTGs) and as a retrofit option for existing fleets.

The system, developed from Konecranes’ A-RTG 2.0 concept, allows driverless gantry travel without human supervision or fenced-off truck lanes. Multiple layers of detection technology, including long-range 3D lidars and safety-rated laser scanners, are designed to reduce collision risks while improving operational efficiency.

“Automating gantry long travel reduces manual workload and allows operators to focus where they are needed, while maintaining safe operation in mixed traffic environments,” said Ville Mannari, technology director for port solutions at Konecranes.

The company said the modular feature can be retrofitted onto existing Konecranes A-RTGs, giving terminals a pathway to expand automation capabilities without replacing crane infrastructure.

Separately, Konecranes announced it is extending its Predictive Services platform to cover rubber-tyred gantry cranes and rail-mounted gantry cranes worldwide, expanding a system previously used on its Gottwald mobile harbour cranes.

The predictive maintenance technology uses vibration sensors installed on key rotating components including motors, gearboxes and bearings. Operating data is analysed by Konecranes and delivered through the company’s yourKONECRANES portal, allowing maintenance teams to identify faults before major failures occur.

According to Konecranes, the system can help reduce downtime, optimise spare-parts planning and lower maintenance costs compared with reactive repair strategies.

“The expansion of our Predictive Services to Konecranes RTGs and RMGs is part of a broader strategy to strengthen our digital and lifecycle services for customers worldwide,” said Nico Zamzow, senior vice president for port services at Konecranes.

The launches form part of Konecranes’ broader push into port automation, digitalisation and lifecycle service offerings for container terminals.