Eco-friendly Cranes for Georgia Ports Authority

The Georgia Ports Authority unveils four electrified rubber-tired gantry cranes (ERTG), claiming to be the first to introduce this type of crane in N. America.

“This transition to electrified RTGs is an important milestone for the GPA and our industry,” said GPA Executive Director Curtis Foltz. “This project is the latest in a series of GPA initiatives designed to increase the productivity and capacity of the port in environmentally responsible ways.”

The new ERTG system was developed with the help of partners Konecranes, Conductix-Wampfler and Georgia Power, which provided the cranes, the new power system and the electrical infrastructure, respectively.

Conductix-Wampfler installed the required power infrastructure which allow the  ERTGs to switch via an auto-engage system between diesel and the electrical grid; for about 90 percent of the time, the cranes will operate on electrical power.

The RTG-mounted electrical equipment and retractable arm are compact and lightweight – important factors for subsequent ports considering a transition to electric power.

Through efforts such as electrifying ship-to-shore cranes and refrigerated container racks, the Port of Savannah avoids the use of more than 5.4 million gallons of diesel annually. The new cranes will further reduce the GPA’s fuel demand.

“Georgia Power’s partnership with the Georgia Ports Authority provides a great opportunity to further research and develop non-road electric transportation while adding value to the port’s day-to-day business,” said Murry Weaver, Georgia Power’s Vice President of Sales. “The ERTG system will not only offer significant cost savings and environmental benefits, but it will also position the GPA as a leading model for ports throughout the nation.”