Cranes at the Port of Savannah, a cornerstone of global trade.
The Georgia Ports Authority and Konecranes mark 30 years of collaboration, enhancing cargo handling with innovative crane technology. Their partnership highlights significant advancements that have positioned the Port of Savannah at the forefront of global trade. With modern crane designs and investments in infrastructure, they aim to support the growing demands of maritime operations.
Savannah, Georgia – The Georgia Ports Authority (GPA) and Konecranes are celebrating a significant milestone, marking 30 years of partnership since the GPA’s acquisition of its first rubber tire gantry crane (RTG) in 1995. This initial purchase not only revolutionized cargo handling at the port but also set a benchmark in crane technology as the world’s first container crane designed without hydraulics.
Over the years, Konecranes has become an integral partner for the GPA, providing essential spare parts and demonstrating superior uptime performance, both of which have served as key competitive differentiators in the logistics sector. The milestone was commemorated with a visit to Konecranes’ headquarters in Finland, where representatives of both organizations underscored the historical significance of their collaboration.
GPA’s fleet currently comprises 257 Konecranes RTGs distributed across six locations, in addition to 42 ship-to-shore (STS) cranes positioned at the Port of Savannah. This facility operates the largest container terminal in North America, referred to as the Garden City Terminal, which boasts the largest collection of STS and RTGs at a single terminal, reinforcing its position as a vital center for global trade.
On average, the GPA handles around 36 vessels each week, which translates into approximately 14,000 to 16,000 truck gate transactions daily. Furthermore, the port utilizes 42 doublestack trains weekly, underscoring its efficient logistics operations and the critical role of Konecranes’ innovations in supporting this level of activity.
Ed McCarthy, Chief Operating Officer of GDP, highlighted that the performance of these cranes, coupled with the enduring partnership with Konecranes, is essential to maintaining the rapid growth that has made the Port of Savannah the fastest-growing port on the U.S. East Coast. The collaboration has led to various design improvements of the cranes, reflecting ongoing innovation and adaptability to meet the evolving needs of port operations.
Konecranes has introduced its latest hybrid diesel RTGs, which feature advanced safety and operational assistance systems aimed at optimizing cargo movement. The first RTG crane was equipped with Konecranes’ patented Active Load Control (ALC) system and an eco-efficient AC drive, enhancing performance and reliability in operations over the years.
As the Port of Savannah continues to evolve to accommodate larger vessels, it is simultaneously engaged in numerous modernization projects. A significant development includes a $29 million exit ramp designed to improve highway access to the terminal, a critical infrastructure investment aimed at bolstering the port’s operational capability.
In light of recent developments, the White House has announced a new cybersecurity policy focusing on the domestic manufacturing of cargo cranes. This initiative aims to address potential risks associated with foreign-manufactured equipment, fostering a commitment to bolstering local supply chains and enhancing the security of port operations.
The enduring partnership between the Georgia Ports Authority and Konecranes exemplifies how collaboration in technology and innovation can lead to enhanced efficiency and productivity in logistics and cargo handling. As both organizations look towards the future, the goal remains to maintain the standards that have made the Port of Savannah a cornerstone of maritime trade in North America.
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