Transped, a renowned Italian steel handling company, has made a significant move towards improving operational efficiency at the Venezia-Marghera port by ordering a new Konecranes Gottwald Generation 6 mobile harbor crane. This order, placed in the fourth quarter of 2024, represents a key part of Transped's strategy to bolster its steel handling capacity at one of northern Italy’s most important manufacturing hubs. The delivery of the new crane is scheduled for the second quarter of 2025, marking a major step forward in the company’s long-term development plans.
Transped is a subsidiary of the FHP Group, Italy’s leading port operator in the bulk cargo sector. With a strong foothold in the steel industry, Transped handles an impressive 10 million metric tons of cargo annually. The company has more than four decades of expertise in steel handling at the Venezia-Marghera port, which serves as a critical point of logistics for the region’s manufacturing sector. Given the volume and the specific demands of steel handling, Transped has invested in Konecranes equipment for years, relying on the brand’s reputation for high-performance mobile harbor cranes. The new Generation 6 crane is seen as the perfect successor to its older Generation 5 model, with significant upgrades that will further optimize Transped’s operations.
The Konecranes Gottwald Generation 6 ESP.7 mobile harbor crane has been designed with improvements that directly address Transped’s operational needs. Notably, the new crane features an extended working radius of 51 meters, allowing it to handle heavier steel loads at greater distances without requiring repositioning. The maximum lifting capacity has also been increased to 125 metric tons, enabling Transped to work with a broader range of steel products. This enhanced lifting capacity will prove invaluable in handling steel cargo efficiently, improving throughput and reducing handling time. Konecranes has also customized specialized load curves for Transped, allowing the crane to accommodate various steel types using different magnets, thus ensuring safer and more efficient handling.
Mauro Marchiori, the Executive Director of Venice Terminals di Venezia at Transped, highlighted the importance of precision, stability, and high lifting capacity in steel handling operations. With Transped managing over 2 million metric tons of steel annually, the need for reliable and versatile equipment is paramount. According to Marchiori, the new Konecranes Gottwald mobile harbor crane, with its extended radius and superior lifting capacity, will significantly boost efficiency, enabling the company to handle diverse steel cargo types with greater ease and speed. These upgrades are expected to translate into increased productivity and a smoother flow of goods through the port.
One of the standout features of the Konecranes Gottwald ESP.7 is its higher crane classification, which is designed to support a longer service life compared to previous models. Some applications could see the crane lasting up to twice as long as its predecessors, making it a more durable and cost-effective investment in the long term. This longevity is particularly important for Transped, which relies on its cranes for consistent daily operations. The upgraded design ensures that the crane will withstand the heavy-duty demands of steel handling, ensuring a long lifespan and minimizing downtime for repairs or maintenance.
Additionally, Transped has chosen to equip the new crane with Konecranes’ eco-efficient hybrid drive technology, part of the company’s broader commitment to sustainability. The hybrid drive system uses ultracapacitors to store energy generated during braking, which can then be reused when needed. This feature reduces reliance on the onboard diesel engine, leading to lower fuel consumption and a reduction in operational emissions. By integrating this technology, Konecranes is helping Transped not only to improve efficiency but also to minimize the environmental impact of its operations. The eco-friendly hybrid drive is part of Konecranes’ broader initiative, known as Ecolifting™, which aims to make material handling more sustainable while reducing the carbon footprints of its customers.
The Ecolifting™ initiative is central to Konecranes’ strategy of advancing sustainability within the material handling industry. By integrating hybrid and fully-electrified systems into its product portfolio, Konecranes is helping customers achieve greener operations, contributing to the decarbonization of the economy. The company’s investments in digitalization and advanced technologies are also aimed at improving efficiency and safety in the workplace. Through solutions like the ESP.7 crane, Konecranes is not only enhancing productivity but also driving the transition to more sustainable and circular industrial practices.
As a trusted partner of Transped for many years, Konecranes is proud to have been involved in this important upgrade. Gino Gherri, Regional Sales Manager at Konecranes, expressed satisfaction with the company’s long-standing relationship with Transped and emphasized how the new ESP.7 mobile harbor crane combines the versatility, power, and precision required for specialized steel handling. Gherri noted that the crane’s ability to handle different steel load types, along with its durability and energy-efficient design, will make it a vital asset to Transped’s operations at the Venezia-Marghera port.
In conclusion, the decision by Transped to upgrade to the Konecranes Gottwald Generation 6 mobile harbor crane represents a forward-thinking move that will enhance the company's steel handling capabilities and operational efficiency. With improved lifting capacity, greater reach, and eco-efficient features, the new crane will help Transped handle its significant steel volumes more effectively. This partnership underscores the growing trend in the materials handling industry toward greater sustainability, increased productivity, and a commitment to innovation, goals that Konecranes continues to support through its advanced technology solutions.
