Konecranes retrofit path

Funding is available in the US through the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) Programme for rebates that reduce harmful emissions from diesel engines. The primary focus of DERA grants is to reduce particulate emissions that impact air quality and peoples’ health, rather than support a transition to full-electric or zero emissions technology. As such DERA grants have been used previously to purchase equipment with newer, cleaner, diesel engines. They are now being used to support retrofitting hybrid drives. 

Earlier this year Konecranes announced that it had retrofitted 12 Konecranes RTGs operating at the Wando Welch terminal in Charleston, South Carolina, with an “EPA-approved Konecranes hybrid retrofit system.  “These cranes now have reduced fuel consumption and lower carbon emissions with easier maintenance while retaining the same level of operational performance,” Scott Lane, General Manager, Konecranes Port Services Americas, said.

Having EPA approval, Konecranes continued, means that its US customers can access DERA grants for up to 60% of the cost of the hybrid retrofit. In comments to WorldCargo News Konecranes added that there is no strict age limit for the RTG to be suitable for a hybrid retrofit. Some older machines might require modifications to the control system to accommodate hybrid technology, but they can still be converted. 

DERA grants require that the old diesel engine must be scrapped, but this does not apply to all the components in the genset. “Generators and related components can undergo refurbishment, allowing them to be reintegrated into the customer's existing crane stock,” Scott explained. 

The time period required for a crane retrofit varies according to the project requirements. Customers often opt to add additional features like GPS Auto Steering, Truck Lift Prevention, and Stack Profiling during the hybrid retrofit process, and the location of the original engine platform also affects the project duration. “On average, customers can anticipate approximately 4-6 weeks of onsite work to complete the retrofit,” Scott advises.

Retrofitting a hybrid drive can also extend the lifespan of the RTG. While the steel structure of the RTG is the main limiting factor in the life of a crane, Konecranes has always claimed longevity with its design. The company’s first ever RTG was delivered to Georgia Ports Authority in 1995 and is still in operation 28 years later. 

“Retrofitting older RTGs offers a valuable approach to prolonging machine life, resulting in reduced costs for port customers, heightened terminal safety, and an enhanced commitment to environmental responsibility,” Scott concluded.

This article was written by World Cargo News and published in their November 2023 magazine edition.

Hybrid retrofitting is part of Ecolifting™, Konecranes’ continuous work to decrease the carbon footprint of our customers. From eco-optimizing diesel drives to hybridization and fully electrified fleets, we will continue to do more with less.