Saguenay Port’s first order brings electric Konecranes harbor crane to Canada

The Saguenay Port Authority in Quebec has placed an order for a Konecranes Gottwald ESP.6B Mobile Harbor Crane as part of a new cargo-handling system currently under development.

The order was confirmed in the first quarter of 2025, with delivery scheduled for the third quarter of the same year.

Located on North America’s only navigable fjord, Port Saguenay offers year-round access to north-central Quebec for cargo ships. Its deepwater facilities can accommodate vessels of up to 100,000 tonnes. To maximize its strategic advantage, the port authority is expanding its infrastructure to manage increased cargo traffic.

This contract marks the beginning of a new collaboration between Konecranes and the Saguenay Port Authority. The port selected Konecranes for the crane’s flexibility, eco-efficiency, and high-performance electric drives. Designed to operate primarily on an external power supply, the mobile harbor crane will significantly reduce emissions compared to traditional diesel-powered models.

“By enabling the use of electricity, the Konecranes equipment will be instrumental in helping us to reduce our carbon footprint. With the extra handling features we’ve chosen, the crane is a true asset for the planned growth of the port and the world-class industrial port zone, one of the largest In North America,” stated Carl Laberge, Chief Executive Officer at Saguenay Port Authority.

The ESP.6B features an electric cable reel mounted at the boom top, allowing it to power an electric hook rotator and spreaders. With a maximum lifting capacity of 125 tonnes, the crane is well-suited for handling bulk materials such as de-icing salt and iron ore, as well as containers and general cargo.

“Konecranes’ industry-leading electric drive concept played a decisive role in securing this agreement. We are very happy to have the Saguenay Port Authority on board as we help more and more customers to reduce emissions while maintaining high operational performance,” commented Andreas Moeller, Senior Sales Manager, Konecranes Port Solutions.

This project aligns with Konecranes’ Ecolifting initiative, which focuses on enhancing environmental benefits through its product and service portfolio while helping customers reduce their carbon footprint. From optimizing diesel engines to integrating hybrid solutions and fully electric fleets, Konecranes continues to push the boundaries of sustainable material handling.

With a strong customer focus and a commitment to growth and continuous improvement, Konecranes is a leader in the material handling industry. Through investments in digitalization and cutting-edge technology, the company is dedicated to improving material flow efficiency, reducing carbon emissions, and advancing circularity and safety in logistics.

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